About the Reunion Harrier
The Réunion harrier, also known as Réunion marsh harrier, is a species of bird of prey belonging to the marsh harrier group of harriers. It is now found only on the Indian Ocean island of Réunion, although fossil material from Mauritius has been referred to this species. It is known locally as the papangue or pied jaune. The Malagasy harrier of Madagascar and the Comoro Islands was previously treated as a subspecies of this bird but is increasingly regarded as a separate species. The Réunion harrier appears to be declining in numbers and it is classed as an endangered species.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
It is about 42–55 cm long; the female is around 3–15% larger than the male. The male has a blackish head and back with white streaks. The underparts, underwings and rump are white and the tail is grey. The wings are grey and black with a white leading edge. Females and immatures are dark brown with a white rump and barred tail. The birds are mostly silent except during the breeding season when they give a chattering threat call, a wailing courtship call and chuckling food-associated calls. The Malagasy harrier is larger and paler with longer wings and legs.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where the Reunion Harrier lives
When to see the Reunion Harrier
Peak activity in June · a resident species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Papuan HarrierCircus spilothoraxThe Papuan harrier is a bird of prey native to New Guinea which belongs to the harrier genus Circus.
Malagasy HarrierCircus macroscelesIt is about 42–55 cm (17–22 in) long; the female is up to 13% larger than the male.
Black HarrierCircus maurusThe black harrier is a medium-sized African harrier whose range extends from South Africa to Botswana and Namibia.
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