Scientific name: Circus aeruginosuss
Bird family: Kites, Hawks and Eagles
UK conservation status: Amber
Protected by: The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981
Length: 48-56cm
Wingspan: 115-130cm
Weight: 400-670g
Eats: Small birds, chicks, ducklings and mammals, especially rabbits.
This impressive bird of prey is the largest and broadest-winged of the harriers. It is likely to be spotted flying low over reedbeds and grazing marshes, with the wings raised in the prominent and characteristic ‘V’ shape. It is distinguishable from other harriers by its larger size, heavier build, broader wings and absence of white on the rump. Females are larger than males and have obvious creamy heads.
The marsh harrier nests in large reedbeds where it feeds on frogs, they also take a variety of prey items, including small birds, chicks, ducklings and mammals, especially rabbits. Prey is caught by dropping onto it from the air.
Once very rare, it has recently spread from its stronghold in East Anglia to other parts of the country where reedbed habitat is found. Although the marsh harrier is typically a migrant bird, arriving here to breed in April and leaving in October to winter in Africa, an increasing number are choosing to overwinter in the UK. During the breeding season, males perform amazing courtship displays, wheeling at great heights then diving towards the ground while performing a series of tumbles; sometimes the female will join him and they will lock talons mid-air.
It flies at about 50 km/hour, being the fastest harrier in spite of its larger size, and has a lifespan of approximately 6 years.
Here at Thanet Earth we have recently seen this magnificent bird flying by the car park in front of Dry Stores.