Swamp harrier

Swamp Harrier
Swamp Harrier eating a hare
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Aves
Order:	Falconiformes
Family:	Accipitridae
Genus:	Circus
Species:	C. approximans
Binomial name
Circus approximans Peale, 1848

The Swamp Harrier, Circus approximans, also known as the Marsh Harrier, Australasian Harrier, Kāhu, Swamp-hawk or New Zealand Hawk is a large, slim bird of prey in the family Accipitridae.

Identification

A Swamp Harrier in flight

The Swamp Harrier is largely dark brown in colour, 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 50 to 60 cm, and the wingspan is 120 to 145 cm. The recorded weights of adults range from 580-1100g, and females are significantly larger than the males.

Distribution and habitat

The Swamp Harrier is widespread through Australasia and many islands in the south-west Pacific region, including much of Australia (except the arid region), New Zealand, Fiji, Vanuatu and New Caledonia. It is usually found in wetlands and well-watered open country.

Behaviour

Diet

The Swamp Harrier mainly feeds on ground birds and waterbirds, rabbits and other small mammals, reptiles, frogs and fish. It also known to feed on carrion where available, including roadkill.

Breeding

This species nests on the ground, often in swamps, on a mound in reeds or other dense vegetation. The clutch size may range from 2-7, but is usually 3-4. The incubation period is about 33 days, with chicks fledging about 45 days after hatching.

Rush Creek, SE Queensland, Australia

References

• BirdLife International. (2006). Species factsheet: Circus approximans. Downloaded from http://www.birdlife.org on 4/12/2006
• Marchant, S.; & Higgins, P.J. (Eds). Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic Birds. Vol,2: Raptors to Lapwings. Oxford University Press: Melbourne. ISBN 0-19-553069-1