Marsh harrier

Marsh harriers are captivating medium-sized raptors belonging to the harrier family, typically inhabiting marshlands and dense reedbeds. These birds are found worldwide, except in the Americas. Initially, only two species were recognized, but now, several distinct species are acknowledged, including the western marsh harrier, eastern marsh harrier, Papuan harrier, swamp harrier, Réunion harrier, and Madagascar marsh harrier.

In the early 20th century, marsh harriers nearly became extinct in the United Kingdom due to extensive hunting. Fortunately, conservation efforts have been successful, and their numbers have been steadily increasing despite facing threats from the pesticide DDT in the 1950s and 1960s.

The western marsh harrier, often simply called the marsh harrier, is a migratory bird that breeds in Europe and Asia and winters in Africa. These birds prey on a variety of animals, including small mammals, frogs, fish, insects, and other birds. The eastern marsh harrier breeds in regions such as Siberia, Mongolia, China, and Japan, and migrates to Southeast Asia for the winter. The swamp harrier, slightly larger than its eastern relative, is native to Australasia. The Madagascar marsh harrier is found on islands in the Indian Ocean, including Madagascar and Réunion. Finally, the African marsh harrier is a non-migratory species residing in southern and eastern Africa.

Each marsh harrier species has unique traits regarding habitat preferences, behaviors, and physical characteristics. They are particularly known for their proficient hunting skills and the specific regions they inhabit.