Harrier(Pied or Hen) - South India (1 Viewer)

[satyajit_gupte]

Hi all,
I saw a generally barred & brownish harrier flying low over farmland (Nov 24), in the neighbourhood of a marsh in South India (Muthanullur Lake in Bangalore). The most distinctive feature I could see was a prominent white rump (or upper tail covert). I'm using the Birds of the Indian Subcontinent field guide (Grimett & Inskipp). The usual harrier is marsh harrier which I'm familiar with and ruled it out. The prominent white rump also rules out (I think) female Pallid and female Montagu's.
Between the female Hen harrier and Pied , I believe the Hen harrier is extremely uncommon in S. India, so I'm leaning towards female Pied harriew
I did not observe any other features like wing shape or facial disks. I would love to hear what folks think about this .
Thanks all !

 

[njlarsen]

Most field guides draw the white rump on female Montagu's and Pallid much more contrasting than the Grimmett and Inskipp guide does. I therefore do not think you can use this to exclude those two. Check some photos online to see for yourself.
Niels

 

[satyajit_gupte]

Thanks @njlarsen .