Harrier (bird)

Taxonomy

The genus Circus was introduced by the French naturalist Bernard Germain de Lacépède in 1799. The type species was subsequently designated as the western marsh harrier. Most harriers are placed in this genus. The word Circus comes from the Ancient Greek κρέξ (kréx) referring to a long legged bird, and is possibly ultimately derived from an onomatopoeia. The name harrier is thought to have been derived either from the dog breed of the same name, or by a corruption of harrower, or directly from harry.

The genera Circus has in the past been placed in the subfamily Circinae but molecular phylogenetic studies have shown that this grouping is polyphyletic, nested within the Accipitrinae. The harrier-hawks in the genus Polyboroides are not closely related and are placed in their own subfamily Polyboroidinae

Ring-tails

Ring-tail is an informal term used by birders for the juveniles and females of several harrier species when seen in the field and not identifiable to an exact species. Ring-tail harriers include the juveniles and females of Montagu's harrier (Circus pygargus), hen harrier (Circus cyaneus), and pallid harrier (Circus macrourus).