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WetlandPlatform nestLarge · 746 g
ID tip
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).
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
When to see the Swamp Harrier
One bar for each month, and every month is filled: this bird is recorded here in all twelve. The wide bar is October, the month with the most records.
Where to see the Swamp Harrier
The map shades 10 countries with regular records, and 1 more in a lighter tone where the bird turns up only as a stray. Everything unshaded has no records. Countries are listed below the map.
Recorded as a rare visitor in Solomon Islands.
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.
Easily confused with
Montagu's HarrierCircus pygargusSexual dimorphism is particularly apparent in the plumage of this species.
Pallid HarrierCircus macrourusThis is a typical harrier, with long wings held in a shallow V in its low flight.
Eastern Marsh HarrierCircus spilonotusIt is 48 to 58 cm long with a wingspan of 113 to 137 cm; like most birds of prey, the female is usually larger than the male.
Side by side: Hen Harrier vs Swamp Harrier · Swamp Harrier vs Western Marsh Harrier · Montagu's Harrier vs Swamp Harrier · Cinereous Vulture vs Swamp Harrier · Pallid Harrier vs Swamp Harrier · Eastern Marsh Harrier vs Swamp Harrier
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