Features& Description
The Western Marsh Harrier, Latin for “Circus aeruginosus”, is a medium-sized bird of prey, slightly larger than a Common Buzzard, with a wingspan of 110 to 130 cm.
Its plumage is uniformly brown, turning to russet. Adult females have a conspicuous yellow cap on top of the head, with a brown eye band. Males have silvery-gray tails and bluish secondary feathers, contrasting sharply with the rest of their plumage.
Habitat(Biotope)
A fairly common bird, although mainly found in reedbeds, the Marsh Harrier sometimes nests in meadows, wasteland, marshes or on the edges of lakes and large rivers.
Behavior& habits
The Western Marsh Harrier is a bird of prey, gliding or flapping slowly over the water in search of weakened, sick or young birds.
Despite its size, prey is often lucky enough to escape. It sleeps in dormitories with other individuals of its species.
The nuptial flight includes phases of rapid ascent and swooping, sometimes touching the ground, amidst cries.
Reproductionand immature
Like other Harriers, it nests on the ground in the middle of marshes, escurgeon or wheat fields.
The female stays close to the nest at all times, being fed by the male.
The nest is filled with 3 to 8 eggs, and the chicks are born after around 40 days.
The juveniles also fledge after around 40 days, but remain with the adults for a long period, during which they continue to be fed.
Cryor Voice
The female Western Marsh Harrier emits a chirpy, sonorous “psii-i” whistle, repeated when the male arrives with prey.
A quick “kvek-èk-èk-èk-èk” is shouted by the adult to signal its presence or to give warning.
Busard Des Roseaux Birdy Sunset
