Spring Watch 2014 – Marsh Harriers In Focus

The Western Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus) is a large bird of prey species with a large range stretching throughout Europe, Africa and Asia. It is mainly migratory, breeding in the north of Europe and wintering in areas of Africa.

It is the largest and heaviest of all the harrier species, with a wingspan of 115-130cm.  The plumage of the male is striking, mostly brown with distinctive yellowish streaks which are prominent in the breast. The wings are pale grey with black tips. In contrast, the female is entirely dark brown with golden patches on the head and shoulders. 

This species typically inhabit wetland areas, and are known to nest in reedbeds and agricultural land.  The Marsh Harrier hunts from low flight over land and mostly catches prey on the ground, primarily hunting for small mammals and birds along with the occasional frog or reptile.  

They have a spectacular courtship display which involved the male flying at height in circles before falling close to the ground, performing an elaborate sequences of tumbles. On occasion, the female may join him, and the pair will lock talons and tumble through the air together.  When these birds breed, they will construct a nest which can measure up to 80cm in diameter, made of grass, reeds and sticks, and constructed on the ground.  The female will lay 3 to 8 eggs from late April, and when the chicks hatch, both parents will help to feed the chicks. 

The Marsh Harrier is a common migrant here in Malta, both in the spring and the autumn. We are beginning to see a large influx of these birds this spring, with sizeable groups roosting in the night.   

And of those we are seeing, a substantial proportion have been seen with wing damage, possibly caused by gunshots.  An incident just last night saw a roosting group of harriers being targeted with illegal gunfire.  

These are spectacular birds of prey.  Seeing these birds arrive in the spring should be something to celebrate, not something to fear.