Reunion Harrier

Circus maillardi

Endangered · IUCN Red List

ENEndangeredEndemicVertebratesForestPlatform nestLarge · 664 g

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.

When to see the Reunion Harrier

One bar for each month, and every month is filled: this bird is recorded here in all twelve. The wide bar is June, the month with the most records.

Where to see the Reunion Harrier

Regular range

The map shades 1 country with regular records. Everything unshaded has no records. Countries are listed below the map.

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.

Easily confused with

Side by side: Pied Harrier vs Reunion Harrier

Learn the Reunion Harrier in the BeakBrain App

Photo and call practice. Coming soon to iPhone and Android.

Play today's Daily Bird

Every photo and recording on this page is credited to its author under the licence shown. Spotted a problem with this page, or have a better photo? Contribute.