African Marsh Harrier

100

4 months ago door jenny van Dorland

Points: 100

Spotted

The African Marsh Harrier is a medium-sized raptor found across sub-Saharan Africa, distinctive for its graceful, low-level flight over wetlands. It specializes in hunting in marshy habitats.

Where to spot

Widespread across sub-Saharan Africa. It primarily inhabits wetlands, marshes, reedbeds, and heavily vegetated shores of lakes and rivers.

How to spot

Look for its distinctive V-shaped wing profile and slow, buoyant flight low over wetland vegetation. Males are paler than females. Listen for its varied calls, especially during breeding.

When to spot

Active throughout the day, often seen hunting in the morning and late afternoon. Observable year-round in its resident range.

Where to spot

Widespread across sub-Saharan Africa. It primarily inhabits wetlands, marshes, reedbeds, and heavily vegetated shores of lakes and rivers.

How to spot

Look for its distinctive V-shaped wing profile and slow, buoyant flight low over wetland vegetation. Males are paler than females. Listen for its varied calls, especially during breeding.

When to spot

Active throughout the day, often seen hunting in the morning and late afternoon. Observable year-round in its resident range.

Credits: Wikimedia Commons

Unlike many raptors that hunt from high perches, marsh harriers employ a characteristic slow, 'quartering' flight pattern, systematically searching for prey over reedbeds and open water.

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