Ring-tail is an informal term used by birders for the juveniles and females of several harrier species, when seen in the field and not identified to exact species.
The adult males of these species are usually relatively easy to distinguish, being pale grey with different amounts of black on the wing. However, the juveniles and females are all very similar to each other – dark brown with a white rump and white beneath the dark tail. This pattern leads to the name, as when seen from behind, the white appears as a ring around the tail.
Ringtail harriers include juveniles and females of the following species:
- Montagu's Harrier, Circus pygargus
- Northern or Hen Harrier, Circus cyaneus
- Pallid Harrier, Circus macrourus
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