1. Field Characters & Identification

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Field Characters & Identification Latin Name:- Milvus milvus. Type:- Raptor. Length:- 60 - 66cm. Wingspan: 175-195cm Weight:- 800-1,300g     Habitat:- Likes deciduous woodland with farmland and grassland nearby. Wintering:- Similar to breeding habitats but winter communal roosts are often established in woods. Behaviour:- Will perch in the open. Takes off from vegetation and ground. Food:- Carrion, worms, insects, amphibians and small mammals. Will also feed on food scraps Flocking:- a gregarious bird which may congregate around food sources and at communal roosts.. Flight:-A gliding bird, graceful , powered flight is lethargic, with slow wing beats often found in flight in windy weather.. Voice:- whistling calls. Life span:- 15 to 20 years. The oldest record in the UK is 26 years. Similar species:- Marsh harrier, Buzzard. Identification Head:- -Silver-grey. Throat:- Silver-grey. Breast:- Reddish brown, streaked. Belly:- Reddish brown, streaked. Upperparts:- Reddish brown. Rump:- Reddish brown. Wings upper:- Reddish brown, with black edges. Wings Lower:- Redddish brown, with white tips and black edges. Tail:- Reddish brown, long and forked . Bill:- Yellow, hooked. Legs:- Yellow, medium length.