Eastern Marsh Harrier
NameEastern Marsh Harrier
Common NameEastern Marsh Harrier
Scientific NameCircus spilonotus
FamilyAccipitridae
Wingspan (cm)127.5
Length (cm)55
Weight (g)600
Plumage DetailsMales typically have a pale head and underparts, often streaked, with dark primary wingtips and a greyish-brown back. Females and juveniles are generally darker brown overall with a creamy cap and forewing patch. The individual in the image, likely a male or juvenile, shows pale, mottled underparts and distinct dark primary feathers.
Vocalization / CallGenerally quiet outside the breeding season. Calls include a high-pitched 'kew-kew-kew' or 'kek-kek-kek' during display or alarm, and softer 'pee-oo' or 'chup' notes during interactions.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatswetland, grassland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds across eastern Asia, including Siberia, Mongolia, China, Korea, and Japan. Winters south to Southeast Asia, India, and the Philippines.
Identifying Featureslong, broad wings held in a shallow V-shape in flight, buoyant, low-level hunting flight, pale underparts with dark primary wingtips (males/juveniles), distinctive facial disc, yellow legs and cere
Description
A medium-sized raptor known for its graceful, low-level flight over open wetlands and grasslands. It hunts small prey with a buoyant flight style, often rocking from side to side, using its keen eyesight and hearing.
