Western Marsh Harrier Bird Details
Circus aeruginosus
Western Marsh Harrier,Marsh Harrier, Eurasian Marsh Harrier;
Pan cheel, Tika bauri
Carl Linnaeus (1758)
Accipitriformes (HAWKS, EAGLES and KITES)
Accipitridae
Circus
- Europe: United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Eastern European countries (Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic)
- Asia: Parts of Russia, Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan), Middle East (Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Jordan), India(Winter Visitor)
- North Africa: Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia
Appearance :
Males are generally brown with a lighter head and a distinctive pale patch on the wings; females are darker with streaks and a more uniform appearance. Long wings and tail, and a characteristic "floating" flight style.
Behaviour :
Glides gracefully; often seen hovering over fields or wetlands. Often solitary or seen in small groups, especially during migration.
Habitat :
Wetlands, marshes, reed beds, and coastal areas.
Diet :
Small mammals, birds, amphibians, and insects; often hunts from the air or by skimming over vegetation.
Conservation Status :
Least Concern
Distribution :
Widespread across Europe, parts of Asia, and North Africa; migratory in some regions.
Population Size :
Varied by region; European population estimated at tens of thousands.
Life Span :
Typically around 10–15 years in the wild.
Body And Tarsus:
- Body: The Western Marsh Harrier is a large, slender raptor known for its distinctive flight and hunting style.
- Tarsus Length: Approximately 6.5 to 8.0 cm.
Head And Bill :
- Head: The head is relatively small compared to the body, with a pronounced facial disc that aids in hunting.
- Bill: The bill is hooked.
- Bill Length: 3.5 to 4.5 cm in length.
Length :
Typically ranges from 45 to 55 cm.
Neck :
The neck is moderately long, providing flexibility for hunting and scanning the environment.
Size :
Medium to large-sized bird of prey, with females being larger than males.
Tail Details :
- Tail: The tail is long and wedge-shaped.
- Tail Length: About 20 to 25 cm.
- Feathers: Feathers are predominantly brown with lighter underparts.
Weight :
Weights vary between 600 to 1,000 grams, with females generally heavier.
Wing :
Wings are long and broad with a slightly rounded shape, ideal for soaring and gliding.
Wing Span :
Wingspan ranges from 110 to 130 cm.
Facial Feature :
Distinctive facial mask with a light-colored forehead and darker cheeks.
Nest Details :
- Nest: Usually built in tall grasses, reeds, or rushes near water bodies.
- Nest Made Up Of: Composed of reeds, grass, and other vegetation, often lined with feathers.
Breeding Season :
Typically from late March to early August.
Nesting Season :
Often begins in April.
Egg Color :
Generally pale blue to white with brown speckles.
Egg Length :
Approximately 45-50 mm.
Egg Width and Weight :
- Egg Width: About 33-37 mm.
- Egg Weight: Approximately 30-40 grams per egg.
Clutch Size :
Typically 4 to 6 eggs.
No. of Broods :
Usually one brood per year, but occasionally two.
Incubation Period :
Lasts about 29 to 32 days.
Nestling Period :
Young fledge around 40 to 50 days after hatching.
Vocalization :
Generally a series of harsh, croaking calls, especially during courtship.
Sex Demorphism :
Males are smaller with more uniform plumage, while females are larger and have more varied coloration, typically with a more pronounced streaking.
Migration Details :
