| 1. Field Characters & Identification Click for more images Click for more images Click for more images Click for more images Click for more images Click for more images | | 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.
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