Hen Harrier (Circus cyaneus) is a sleek, elegant bird of prey known for its ghostly flight and razor-sharp hunting skills. Gliding low over open moorlands, marshes, and grasslands, this raptor is a master of stealth — scanning the ground for small mammals and birds with its piercing gaze and owl-like facial disc that helps it pinpoint sound as well as movement.

Male Hen Harriers are particularly striking, with soft gray plumage, black wingtips, and a graceful, buoyant flight that earned them the nickname "Gray Ghost." Females and juveniles are larger and earth-toned, with rich brown feathers and a white rump patch that flashes in flight — a signature ID mark for birders.

Known for their distinctive flight style, Hen Harriers tilt and rock effortlessly on long wings, hugging the contours of the land as they patrol their territory. During breeding season, they perform a dramatic aerial courtship ritual called “sky dancing,” where the male dives and twists in mid-air to impress a potential mate.

Though once widespread, Hen Harriers have faced steep population declines in parts of their range due to habitat loss and conflict with gamebird hunting. Conservation efforts are helping their numbers recover, and spotting one in the wild is always a breathtaking moment.

Symbolizing grace, perseverance, and the untamed spirit of wide-open spaces, the Hen Harrier is a true icon of the wilderness.