Hen harriers are carnivores and hunt mainly small mammals and birds. Preferred avian prey includes sparrows, larks, pipits, small shorebirds as well as ducks and their young. Hen harriers will supplement their diet occasionally with amphibians (especially frogs), reptiles and insects (especially orthopterans).

What do hen harriers feed on?

95% of a hen harrier's diet is made up of small mammals, but they do eat a small proportion of other birds, including song birds such as meadow pipits, shorebirds, waterfowl and grouse.

Do hen harriers eat rabbits?

Northern or hen harriers hunt primarily small mammals, as do most harriers. Up to 95% of the diet comprises small mammals. ... Larger prey, such as rabbits and adult ducks are taken sometimes and harriers have been known to subdue these by drowning them in water.