The smaller (L 40 cm) and more elegant of the four European harriers. Male and female have different size and coloration. The Montagu's Harrier inhabits generally in large fields of cereals, but also pastures, low scrub and river meadows. Feed almost exclusively on small mammals. Migrant.
Reasons for the need for protection/inclusion in annex I
There has been a marked decline in recent years. The major factors limiting the species are nest destruction through cereal's harvest, hunting and loss of habitat. The birds nests frequently between fields of cereal, but advanced harvest due to modern farming practices takes place when chicks did not yet leave the nest.
yellow = summer visitor
green = resident
blue = winter visitor
Population : 4,000 / 8,000 pairs
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