The Western Marsh Harrier, also known as the Eurasian Marsh Harrier, is a captivating species of raptor that graces the skies across vast expanses of Eurasia and parts of Africa. With its imposing size and striking plumage, this majestic bird of prey commands attention wherever it is seen.
Adult male Western Marsh Harriers boasts a stunning array of colors that make them easily distinguishable in flight. Their tricolored upper wings, featuring shades of brown, grey, and white, create a striking contrast against the backdrop of the sky. A pale head and breast, complemented by a rusty-brown belly, further enhance their visual appeal. In contrast, females exhibit a warmer brown hue with streaks on the chest, lacking the conspicuous white ‘cap’ and black line through the eye seen in males. These subtle differences in plumage help distinguish them from their closely related counterparts, the Eastern Marsh-Harriers.
The breeding range of the Western Marsh Harrier spans across Europe, northwestern Africa, Central Asia, and parts of the northern Middle East. It is a remarkably adaptable species, capable of thriving in a diverse range of habitats, including marshlands, wetlands, and grasslands. Despite its expansive distribution, the Western Marsh Harrier exhibits a preference for breeding in lowland areas, avoiding hilly terrain and subarctic regions.
Throughout much of Europe, the Western Marsh Harrier is a familiar sight, breeding in practically every country on the continent. However, its presence in certain regions may be more limited, particularly in mountainous or subarctic landscapes where suitable breeding habitat is scarce. Nevertheless, its adaptability and resilience have enabled it to establish breeding populations in a wide variety of environments, showcasing its remarkable ability to thrive in diverse ecosystems.
Distribution
Afghanistan
Albania
Algeria
Andorra
Angola
Armenia
Austria
Azerbaijan
Bahrain
Bangladesh
Belarus
Belgium
Benin
Bhutan
Bosnia And Herz.
Bulgaria
Burkina Faso
Burundi
Cameroon
Cape Verde
Central Af. Rep.
Chad
China
Congo-Brazzaville
Croatia
Cyprus
Czechia
Côte D’ivoire
DR Congo (Kinshasa)
Denmark
Djibouti
Egypt
Eritrea
Estonia
Ethiopia
Faroe Islands
Finland
France
Gabon
Gambia
Georgia
Germany
Ghana
Gibraltar
Greece
Guadeloupe
Guinea-Bissau
Guinea
Hungary
Iceland
India
Indonesia
Iran
Iraq
Ireland
Official estimate
Israel
Italy
Jordan
Kazakhstan
Kenya
Kuwait
Kyrgyzstan
Latvia
Lebanon
Liberia
Libya
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malawi
Malaysia
Maldives
Mali
Malta
Mauritania
Mauritius
Moldova
Mongolia
Montenegro
Morocco
Mozambique
Myanmar
Nepal
Netherlands
Niger
Nigeria
North Macedonia
Norway
Oman
Pakistan
Poland
Portugal
Qatar
Romania
Russia
Rwanda
Saudi Arabia
Senegal
Serbia
Seychelles
Sierra Leone
Singapore
Slovakia
Slovenia
Somalia
South Africa
South Sudan
Spain
Sri Lanka
Sudan
Sweden
Switzerland
Syria
Tajikistan
Tanzania
Thailand
Togo
Tunisia
Turkey
Turkmenistan
UAE
Uganda
Ukraine
United Kingdom
Uzbekistan
Yemen
Zambia
ZimbabweAnything we've missed?
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Terrestrial / Aquatic
Altricial / Precocial
Polygamous / Monogamous
Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic
Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal
Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd
Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No
