About Circus macrourus (S.G.Gmelin, 1770)
This species is a typical harrier. When flying low, it holds its long wings in a shallow V shape. Like other harriers, it has distinct plumages for males and females. Adult individuals measure 40–48 cm (16–19 in) in length, with a wingspan of 95–120 cm (37–47 in). Males weigh around 315 g (11.1 oz), while slightly larger females weigh around 445 g (15.7 oz). Males are whitish grey on their upperparts and white on their underparts, with narrow black wingtips. It can be distinguished from the hen harrier by its smaller size, narrower wings, paler overall colour, and different wing tip pattern. Females are brown on their upperparts and have white upper tail coverts; for this reason, females and similar-looking juveniles are often called "ringtails". A female's underparts are buff with brown streaks. It is very similar to the female Montagu's harrier, but has a paler belly and a clearly defined facial pattern. Pallid harriers hunt primarily small mammals and birds, surprising their prey as they drift low over fields and moors. Additional food sources include large insects, usually grasshoppers and locusts, as well as lizards and frogs. This species builds its nest on the ground. Females lay three to six whitish eggs, with a typical clutch size of four to five.
