The pied harrier (Circus melanoleucos ) is an Asian species of bird of prey in the family Accipitridae. It is migratory, breeding from the Amur valley in eastern Russia and north-eastern China to North Korea. Wintering individuals can be found in a wide area from Pakistan to Philippines. The population consists of approximately 10,000 individuals and the number is thought to be in moderate decline.
This medium-sized harrier (length 45 cm/18in, wing span 115 cm/46in) nests in steppes and associated wetlands. Wintering individuals are often seen hunting above rice paddies and marshes.
