The pied harrier is a bird of prey in the family Accipitridae, named for the male's distinctive white and black colouration.
Region
East and Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Breeds mainly in northeastern China and adjacent parts of the Amur–Ussuri region, nesting on the ground in wet meadows and marshy grasslands. In winter it migrates south to the Indian subcontinent’s northeast and across mainland Southeast Asia to Sumatra and Borneo. It favors open wetlands, rice paddies, floodplains, and agricultural mosaics with scattered reeds or tall grasses. The species avoids dense forest but uses marsh edges and fallow fields extensively. Communal roosts are typically in reedbeds or rank grass near water.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The pied harrier is a slender, long-winged raptor named for the male’s striking black-and-white plumage, while females and juveniles are brown and streaked. It hunts low over wetlands and rice fields, helping control rodents and large insects. In the non-breeding season it often forms communal evening roosts in tall grasses or reedbeds. Habitat loss and changes in rice agriculture are key threats to the species.
Temperament
solitary hunter, wary but forms loose flocks at roosts
Flight Pattern
buoyant low quartering with tilting dihedral and short glides
Social Behavior
Generally hunts alone or in loose spacing over open ground. Nests on the ground in dense grasses or reeds; female incubates while the male provides food. In winter it may gather in communal roosts of several to dozens of birds.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Usually quiet away from the nest. Around breeding sites it gives thin whistles and sharp chattering calls, with higher-pitched notes in alarm or display.
