MigrantWatch banner
Highlighted species |  All species
Species identification guide
Western Marsh Harrier
Circus aeruginosus

Habitat: Wetlands and grasslands, paddy fields.
Size: Smaller than Black Kite.
Distribution: Winter visitor throughout the region.
Identification: Males are predominantly brown, unlike males of other harrier species. Females are chocolate brown with strongly contrasting pale head and throat; and the absence of white on the rump distinguishes Marsh Harrier females from females of other harrier species. The Marsh Harrier has the habit of methodically searching grasslands by flying low over them, looking for prey.
Marsh Harrier female

Marsh Harrier male
MigrantWatch