(circus cyaneus)
The Hen Harrier is an elegant raptor of the Scottish moorlands. It breeds in upland areas usually on heather moors. In winter it moves to lower altitudes and can be found hunting over rough grassland, farmland and coastal marshes. In Scotland the breeding population is about 600-650 pairs.
It is perhaps the most persecuted bird in the UK due to its preference for heather moors which brings it into conflict with sporting estates. There is no doubt that a Hen harrier would take grouse chicks if the opportunity arose. There are large areas of the Southern Uplands where the bird is almost totally absent which corresponds directly with the distribution of sporting estates.