Rare Hen Harrier Spotted in Tuzly Estuaries: A Red-Listed Bird of Prey Appears in Southern Ukraine.

Hen Harrier Sighted in the Tuzly Estuaries National Nature Park

According to TSN.ua: A hen harrier (Circus cyaneus), listed in Ukraine's Red Book of endangered species, has been observed in the Tuzly Estuaries National Nature Park. This migratory and wintering raptor belongs to the Accipitridae family. Its breeding population in Ukraine is estimated at just 10–20 pairs, underscoring the species' extreme rarity in the country.

The hen harrier nests on the ground in open natural habitats, typically laying 2–5 eggs per clutch. Its diet consists mainly of small rodents, though it also hunts birds, lizards, and insects on occasion. Notably, this species is protected under international agreements, including CITES, the Bern Convention, and the Bonn Convention.

This information was provided by Dr. Ivan Rusev, a Doctor of Biological Sciences.

Why Protecting Biodiversity Matters

Conserving species like the hen harrier is a critical part of safeguarding Ukraine's biodiversity and ecosystem health.

The discovery of the hen harrier in the Tuzly Estuaries National Nature Park highlights the urgent need to protect rare bird species in Ukraine. With its population at a critically low level, targeted conservation efforts could help preserve regional biodiversity. Beyond ecological importance, supporting such species also holds cultural value, as they form an integral part of the country's natural heritage.