Western Marsh Harrier

Copyright: monacoeye • Camargue, France • Do not copy without permission

Bird name: Western Marsh Harrier
Latin: Circus aeruginosus
Other: Marsh Harrier, Eurasian Marsh Harrier • Busard des Roseaux (Fr) • Rohrweihe (De) • Aguilucho lagunero (Es) • Falco di palude (It) • Bruine kiekendief (Nl) • Brun kärrhök (Sv) • Tartaranhão-ruivo-dos-pauis (Pt)
Family: Accipitridae • Harriers, Birds of Prey
Range: Eurasia, India, Central Africa
Similar: Male Hen Harrier

Marsh Harriers can be seen in the Camargue all year round and many fly east-west past Monaco on autumn migration in September.

The adult male Marsh Harrier (above) is fairly easy to recognise. From below it has black wing tips, white wings, brown body and head.

Females are quite variable and thus more difficult to recognise - they typically have brown body and coverts and darkish wing tips (see directly below). Dark mark through eye.

Juveniles (lowest photo) are very dark with whitish head. Heads of adults are often very light, but, in my experience, not quite as light as pictured in some book illustrations.

Below, presumed female Marsh Harrier, Camargue, January 2012.


Below, presumed female Marsh Harrier, Camargue, January 2012.


Below, presumed juvenile Marsh Harrier on migration, Alpes Maritimes, September.