Wildlife

UK Ringtail Hen Harrier Welfare and Moorland

Welfare of female and immature hen harriers known as ringtails and conservation in UK moorland.

Key Facts

Female and immature hen harriers are known as ringtails due to their banded tails
Ringtails are more cryptically plumaged than adult males and often less studied
Communal winter roosts of ringtails occur on lowland marshes and farmland
Hen harrier persecution primarily affects males at moorland nest sites
Winter roost sites require protection from development and disturbance

Welfare Considerations

Ringtail hen harriers face welfare risks from illegal persecution and food shortage in winter, requiring protection of both moorland breeding and lowland wintering habitats.

What You Can Do

Support RSPB and Hen Harrier Action Plan monitoring programmes
Advocate for grouse moor reform to end illegal raptor persecution
Report any evidence of raptor persecution to police wildlife crime units