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In: Western Marsh Harrier Ca: Arpella vulgar Da: Rørhøg De: Rohrweihe Es: Aguilucho lagunero occidental Fi: ruskosuohaukka Fr: Busard des roseaux It: Falco di palude Nl: Bruine Kiekendief No: Sivhauk Pt: Tartaranhão-ruivo-dos-pauis Sv: Brun kärrhök US: Western Marsh Harrier Ru: Болотный лунь Bird News Extra subscribers should log in to view an enhanced species page.
IdentificationThe Marsh Harrier is larger than other harriers, with broader wings, a shorter tail and showing no signs of a pale rump. Juvenile Marsh Harriers can appear completely dark brown but they usually show some pale plumage on the head giving them the nickname of cream-crowns. In females, this pale pattern becomes more extensive with age, spreading across the leading edge of the wing. As male Marsh Harriers get older they acquire areas of grey until their plumage becomes a patchwork of brown in the body, grey in the wings and tail and black at the wing tips. The females and juveniles may look generally all-brown like Black Kites and Booted Eagles but they lack the pointed wings and tail of a Kite and aren't as chunky as the eagle. HabitatBreeds and winters in extensive reedbeds often hunting in open country nearby. BehaviourThe female does most of the incubating and is therefore reliant on the male to provide her with food. When the male has caught some prey, he calls and the female flies up from the nest to join him. They then execute a food pass, sometimes by almost linking talons but more usually by the male dropping the prey for the female to catch before it hits the reedbed. MigrationNorthern European populations migrate southwards in winter while southerly populations are mainly dispersive. Small numbers of migrants can be seen passing over most parts of the Mediterranean in spring and autumn. This information is taken from the BirdFile on the appropriate BirdGuides DVD-ROM. As well as video and sounds, our CD- and DVD-ROMs contain additional text on Voice, Sexing, Ageing, Food, Nests and Eggs and more.
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