Swamp Harrier
Circus approximans
The Swamp Harrier (Circus approximans) is a common kites, old world vultures, eagles, and hawk found in 11 countries, weighing about 746 g. The swamp harrier, also known as the Australasian marsh harrier or Australasian harrier, is a large, slim bird of prey widely distributed across Australasia.
About the Swamp Harrier
The swamp harrier, also known as the Australasian marsh harrier or Australasian harrier, is a large, slim bird of prey widely distributed across Australasia. In New Zealand, it is also known by the Māori name kāhu. It arrived in New Zealand within the last 700 years, replacing the larger species, the extinct New Zealand endemic Eyles's harrier.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
The swamp harrier is largely dark brown, becoming lighter with age, and has a distinct white rump. It hunts by flying slowly, low to the ground, on upswept wings. The body length is 48 to 62 cm (19 to 24.5 in), and the wingspan is 118 to 145 cm (3 ft 10 in to 4 ft 9 in). The recorded weights of adults range from 580 to 1,100 g (1.28 to 2.43 lb). Females are significantly larger than the males. In New Zealand, 54 males averaged 640 g (1.41 lb) and 66 females averaged 870 g (1.92 lb).
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Solomon Islands.
When to see it
The Swamp Harrier can be seen all year round, with peak activity in October. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Swamp Harrier?
- The swamp harrier is largely dark brown, becoming lighter with age, and has a distinct white rump. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Swamp Harrier?
- The Swamp Harrier is a large sized bird weighing about 746 g.
- Where can you see a Swamp Harrier?
- The Swamp Harrier occurs in 11 countries, including New Zealand, Australia, Fiji, French Polynesia and Vanuatu.
- What birds look similar to a Swamp Harrier?
- The Swamp Harrier is most easily confused with the Montagu's Harrier, the Pallid Harrier and the Eastern Marsh Harrier.
- Is the Swamp Harrier endangered?
- The Swamp Harrier is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Swamp Harrier for real
BeakBrain drills you on photos and calls until you can greet this bird by name in the field. Free to play, on any device.
Play BeakBrainEvery 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.