Pallid harrier: Red Data Book of Armenia

Hawks and eagles — Accipitridae

Status. A rare species of significantly decreasing population. A casual migrant throughout a year. Listed in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (ver. 3.1) as Near Threatened NT. According to IUCN criteria categorized as Endangered EN B1ab(iii)+2ab(iii); D.

Distribution. Southeastern Europe, Northern Kazakhstan and Southwestern Siberia.

Distribution in Armenia. Encountered in the Abovian, Artashat, Sevan and other districts, particularly in semi–deserts and mountain grasslands. Belongs to the nesting migratory birds of Armenia.

Habitats. Mountain grasslands, plain valleys, usually at 800–2000 m above sea level. More widespread during migrations. Habitats are deteriorated because of their agricultural use.

Biological traits. The aerie is placed on the plain ground, usually in dense herbage in late April – early May. The brooding period is 30 days. Hatchlings emerge in early June. Flying juveniles are recorded in mid–July. Preys mainly on murid rodents and fledglings of small birds.

Population size and its trends. The total population size in Armenia is unknown.

Major threats. Habitat loss because of intensive land use in semi–desert and mountain grassland zones and aerie destruction by livestock.

Conservation measures. Protected in Sevan National Park. It is essential to raise public awareness about harrier conservation.