Eastern Marsh Harrier Bird Details
Circus spilonotus
Eastern Marsh Harrier,Spotted Harrier;
NA
Johann Jakob von Kaup, 1847
Accipitriformes (HAWKS, EAGLES and KITES)
Accipitridae
Circus
India, China, Japan, Korea, Russia, Mongolia, parts of Southeast Asia (Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia), and Indonesia and Australia
Appearance :
The Eastern Marsh Harrier is medium-sized with long wings and a tail. It is distinguished by its brown plumage, yellowish or white streaks on the head, and pale underside. Females are usually darker than males, and juveniles have more uniform brown coloring.
Behaviour :
Eastern Marsh Harriers are often seen gliding low over marshes and grasslands. They hunt by flying slowly and low, scanning the ground for prey such as small mammals, birds, and amphibians. They are known for their graceful flight and agility.
Habitat :
This bird primarily inhabits wetlands, marshes, reed beds, and coastal areas, but can also be found in open fields and grasslands.
Diet :
The Eastern Marsh Harrier feeds on a variety of prey including small mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. They hunt by flying low over the ground, surprising their prey.
Conservation Status :
Least Concern
Distribution :
The Eastern Marsh Harrier is found across parts of East Asia, including China, Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asia. It migrates to Southeast Asia, Indonesia, and occasionally to parts of Australia during the winter.
Population Size :
The exact population size is not well-documented, but the species is not considered threatened.
Life Span :
Harriers in general can live up to 15–20 years in the wild.
Body And Tarsus:
- Body: The Eastern Marsh Harrier has a slender and elongated body, adapted for long flights over marshes and wetlands. It has a streamlined shape that helps in gliding and hunting.
- Tarsus Length: The tarsus (part of the leg) length is typically around 6-8 cm.
Head And Bill :
- Head: The head is somewhat flat with a pronounced facial disk that aids in hearing. The color can vary, but typically it is brown with streaks of yellow or white. Females tend to have darker heads compared to males.
- Bill: The bill is short, sharply hooked, and adapted for tearing prey.
- Bill Length: The bill length is about 2-3 cm, black or dark gray in color.
Length :
The Eastern Marsh Harrier's total length ranges between 48-58 cm from the head to the tip of the tail.
Neck :
The neck is relatively short and stout, aiding the bird in maneuverability during hunting. It blends smoothly into the bird's chest and head.
Size :
The Eastern Marsh Harrier is a medium-sized bird of prey. It is slightly larger than a crow, with females typically larger than males.
Tail Details :
- Tail: The tail is long and rounded, which helps in controlling its flight. The tail is used as a rudder during gliding and swooping to catch prey.
- Tail Length: The tail length is about 20-24 cm.
Weight :
Weights vary between 600 to 1,000 grams.
Wing :
The wings are long, broad, and rounded.
Wing Span :
Wingspan ranges from 110 to 130 cm.
Facial Feature :
The Eastern Marsh Harrier has a distinct facial disk. The face is typically marked with light streaks or spots, especially on the head and cheeks.
Nest Details :
- Nest: The nest is usually built on the ground, often in marshes, reed beds, or areas with tall vegetation. It is a bulky structure, well-hidden among dense reeds or tall grasses.
- Nest Made up of: The nest is made primarily of reeds, grasses, and other plant materials found in wetland environments. It is a large, rough platform that provides safety and insulation.
Breeding Season :
Typically occurs from April to June
Nesting Season :
The nesting season overlaps with the breeding period, usually from April to July.
Egg Color :
The eggs are typically whitish or pale blue and may occasionally have light spots.
Egg Length :
The eggs are about 44-52 mm in length.
Egg Width and Weight :
- Egg Width: The width of the eggs is typically around 33-37 mm.
- Egg Weight: The weight of each egg is approximately 25-30 grams.
Clutch Size :
The clutch size is usually 3 to 6 eggs, with the average being around 4 eggs per nest.
No. of Broods :
The Eastern Marsh Harrier generally raises one brood per year, though occasionally, they may attempt a second brood if conditions are favorable.
Incubation Period :
The incubation period lasts around 31-38 days.
Nestling Period :
After hatching, the chicks remain in the nest for about 35-45 days before fledging
Vocalization :
They are generally quiet, but during the breeding season, they make a series of high-pitched, sharp calls, including "keee-keee-keee" sounds.
Sex Demorphism :
Females are generally larger than males, with darker and more uniform brown plumage. Males tend to be lighter in color, with more distinct markings and streaks.
Migration Details :
The Eastern Marsh Harrier is a migratory bird. It breeds in northeastern Asia, including parts of China, Japan, and eastern Russia, and migrates southward to Southeast Asia (such as Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia) during the winter. Migration occurs between September and March, with birds returning to their breeding grounds in April.
