Bird Guide

Montagu's Harrier vs Western Marsh Harrier

Montagu's Harrier (Circus pygargus)

Montagu's Harrier

Circus pygargus

Large311 gGrassland

Sexual dimorphism is particularly apparent in the plumage of this species. Adult males are characterized by their overall pale grey plumage contrasting with black wingtips. Compared with other harriers this species has characteristic black bands along the secondaries, both above and below the wing and rusty streaks on belly and flanks. Adult females have a broadly similar plumage to that of pallid and hen harriers. The underparts are mostly pale yellow-brown, the belly with longitudinal stripes and the wing coverts spotted.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: (c) Вячеслав Юсупов, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Вячеслав Юсупов · cc-by
Western Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus)

Western Marsh Harrier

Circus aeruginosus

Large704 gWetland

The western marsh harrier is 48 to 56 cm (19 to 22 in) in length, has a wingspan of 115 to 130 cm (45 to 51 in) and a weight of 400 to 650 g (14 to 23 oz) in males and 550 to 800 g (19 to 28 oz) in females. It is a large, bulky harrier, larger than other European harriers, with fairly broad wings, and is sexually dimorphic. The male's plumage is mostly a cryptic reddish-brown with lighter yellowish streaks, which are particularly prominent on the breast. The head and shoulders are mostly pale greyish-yellowish.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Recording: Sonothèque ADVL · CC0
Photo: cwriggy · CC0

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Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: Montagu's Harrier and Western Marsh Harrier.