Montagu's Harrier, Circus pygargus, photographed at Mikumi National Park, Tanzania, Africa.
Image: Dan Logen, 8 January 2010 [with binoculars].
Nikon D300s, 600 mm lens, ISO 1000, f/8, 1/320 sec.
Question: This lovely mystery bird has such a large range that it can be seen throughout Europe (even in the UK) as well as Africa. Can you name this species and tell me if it's a male or female?
Response: This is a female Montagu's Harrier, Circus pygargus. This species is migratory; breeding throughout Europe (there's a few pairs that even breed in the UK), and wintering in various regions of sub-Saharan Africa. This species is dimorphic and dichromatic: females are larger than males and they have different markings, too.
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