Description
This original wildlife photograph captures a Montagu’s Harrier (Circus pygargus) resting on the ground in the Little Rann of Kutch, Gujarat, India. The Montagu’s Harrier is a graceful bird of prey and a winter migrant in Gujarat, making seasonal appearances across suitable open and grassland habitats.
The Little Rann of Kutch is one of Gujarat’s important wildlife and birdwatching landscapes. The Wild Ass Wildlife Sanctuary encompasses the Little Rann and supports a diverse population of resident and migratory birds. Montagu’s Harrier is included in bird checklists for the Little Rann of Kutch and the Wild Ass Sanctuary.
About the Montagu’s Harrier
Montagu’s Harrier belongs to the Accipitridae family of birds of prey. Its scientific name is Circus pygargus. It is a slender harrier associated particularly with grasslands and open habitats.
In Gujarat, Montagu’s Harrier is classified as a winter migrant. The State of India’s Birds 2025 assessment lists the species as Least Concern globally, while it receives Schedule I protection in India. The assessment also identifies a declining current annual trend for the species in Gujarat.
Montagu’s Harrier in Little Rann of Kutch
The Little Rann of Kutch is characterized by vast open landscapes, saline mudflats, seasonal wetlands and elevated patches known locally as bets. The Wild Ass Wildlife Sanctuary covers a large portion of this unique ecosystem.
During the winter season, the region becomes an excellent destination for birdwatching and wildlife photography, with numerous raptors, waterbirds and other migratory species occurring across the landscape.
This photograph captures the Montagu’s Harrier resting naturally on the ground, providing a different perspective from the more commonly seen images of this species in flight.
Habitat
Montagu’s Harrier is particularly associated with grasslands and open landscapes. Gujarat provides important wintering habitat for this migratory raptor.
The open terrain around the Little Rann of Kutch provides an excellent setting for observing and photographing harriers and other birds of prey.
Conservation Status
Global Status: Least Concern (LC)
Indian Protection: Schedule I
Gujarat Migratory Status: Winter Migrant
The State of India’s Birds 2025 assessment identifies Montagu’s Harrier as a high-priority species in Gujarat and reports a declining current annual trend.
Original Wildlife Photography
This is an original wildlife photograph by Amarjeetsinh Jhala, captured in the Little Rann of Kutch, Gujarat, India.
The photograph is available for licensing for personal, commercial and printing/publication purposes.
Licensing Options
Personal Use
Suitable for personal collections, home décor, wallpapers and other non-commercial applications.
Commercial Use
Suitable for websites, advertising, digital marketing, social media, promotional campaigns and other commercial applications.
Printing & Publication
Suitable for books, magazines, calendars, exhibitions, editorial publications and professional printing.
Product Details
Common Name: Montagu’s Harrier
Scientific Name: Circus pygargus
Family: Accipitridae
Bird Group: Bird of Prey / Harrier
Behaviour: Resting on Ground
Location: Little Rann of Kutch, Gujarat, India
Gujarat Status: Winter Migrant
Habitat: Grasslands & Open Habitats
Global Conservation Status: Least Concern (LC)
Indian Protection: Schedule I
Photographer: Amarjeetsinh Jhala
Photography Type: Wildlife & Bird Photography
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