Bird · GBIF taxon 2480482
Western Marsh Harrier
Circus aeruginosusAlso known as Eurasian Marsh Harrier
The Western Marsh Harrier is a large long-winged raptor that quarters low over reeds with its wings held in a shallow V. Females are mostly dark brown with a creamy crown, while adult males show a more varied brown, gray, and black pattern.
Wetland RaptorLow Hunting FlightReedbed Nester
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Voles
- Waterbirds
- Frogs
Predators
- Eagle-owls
- Foxes
- Larger eagles
ThreatsWetland drainage, reed cutting, persecution, pesticides, power lines, and nest disturbance
HabitatsReedbeds, marshes, shallow lakes, coastal wetlands, flooded fields, and wet grassland
Life spanOften 10 to 15 years, with some wild birds living longer
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyAccipitridae
- SpeciesCircus aeruginosus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Observe reedbed hunting flights from fixed viewpoints and remain far from nest areas.
Responsible observation
- Flight: Look for slow low passes with wings raised in a shallow V.
- Habitat: Scan extensive reeds and wet grass rather than open sky alone.
- Distance: Do not follow a bird repeatedly carrying food into cover.
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