Circus ranivorus
Near Threatened
The African Marsh Harrier, a graceful raptor native to sub-Saharan Africa, is recognized for its brown plumage and striking yellow legs and beak. Often seen gliding low over marshes and wetlands, this bird is admired for its skilled hunting abilities. Despite its beauty and prowess, the African Marsh Harrier faces challenges due to habitat loss, bringing attention to its conservation needs.
Time of year: Spring
Brown
Darker Brown
Light Brown
Rich Brown
White, Grey
White, Grey
White, Grey
White, Grey
Brown
Darker Brown
Light Brown
Rich Brown
Hooked
Yellow
Yellow
Yellow
Bright Yellow
Yellow
Yellow
Yellow
Yellow
Yellow legs, long tail, white rump
Similar to male, but slightly darker
More mottled than adults
More pronounced markings
Long and rounded
Long and rounded
Long
Long and more defined
45cm to 55cm
Length
115cm to 130cm
Wingspan
400g to 650g
Weight
Click on an image below to see the full-size version
African Marsh Harrier hunting for prey
African Marsh Harrier in-flight
African Marsh Harrier in-flight with prey
African Marsh Harrier perching in a tree
High-pitched kee-kee-kee
Repetitive high-pitched calls during flight
Harsh chattering
Active mainly during the day, hunting in early morning and late afternoon
Solitary or in pairs during breeding season
Territorial during breeding season
Partially migratory, depending on regional conditions
Generally solitary, avoids interaction
Small Mammals, Birds, Reptiles
Hunts by flying low over marshes and fields
Early morning and late afternoon
Swoops down to capture prey from the ground
Varies with prey availability and season
None known
In reed beds or bushes near water
Made of twigs and grass, lined with softer materials
Varies, usually during the rainy season
1
White or bluish, sparsely spotted
Approximately 4cm x 5cm
3-5 eggs
Approximately 30-35 days
Around 40-45 days
Both parents involved in feeding and protection
Sub-Saharan Africa, mainly in eastern and southern regions
Wetlands, marshes, and reed beds
Up to 3000 meters
Partially migratory, depending on regional conditions
Wetlands, Grasslands
Subtropical, Temperate
Please note, this range and distribution map is a high-level overview, and doesn't break down into specific regions and areas of the countries.
Distribution notes
Extinct in Lesotho
Resident or Present
Breeding
Non-breeding
Vagrant
7
12
Approximately 10 years year(s)
2 year(s)
2-3 year(s)
Monogamous, territorial during breeding
Plumage becomes duller with age
Near Threatened (IUCN Red List)
Habitat loss, human disturbance, pesticide use
Habitat protection, monitoring programs
Decline due to habitat loss and other factors
Other names:
Marsh Harrier
Family:
AccipitridaePopulation size:
Unknown
Population trend:
Conservation status:
Near Threatened
IUCN Red List
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