Western Marsh Harrier

Formerly, a number of relatives were included in C. aeruginosus, which was then known as Marsh Harrier. The related taxa are now generally considered to be separate species: the Eastern Marsh-harrier and the possibly distinct Papuan Harrier spilothorax) of eastern Asia and the Wallacea, the Swamp Harrier of Australasia and the Madagascar Marsh-harrier of the western Indian Ocean islands.

The Western Marsh Harrier is classified as Least Concern. Does not qualify for a more at risk category. Widespread and abundant taxa are included in this category.

Both Eastern and Western Marsh Harriers do hybridize in eastern Siberia where they are allopatric and hybrids may wander to our region so with the rule of possibility of course it is all possible, but this particular harrier is not a Western. More

* Peregrine Falcon mobs Western Marsh Harrier "On the 2nd day of the Lunar New Year,... * Resident Black-winged Kite defending its territory “On January 11th, 2009, while observing birds on Pulau... * Retraction of the first record of Long-billed Plover for Singapore On 24th February 1990, Volker Konrad encountered and photographed a... More

The Western Marsh Harrier is a typical harrier, with long wings held in a shallow V in its low flight. It also resembles other harriers in having distinct male and female plumages, but its plumages are quite different from those of its relatives. The male has wings with grey and brown sections and black wingtips. Its head, tail and underparts are greyish, except for the chestnut belly. The female is mainly brown with a cream crown and cream leading edge to her wings. More

A consideration of claimed Western Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus in South Korea. Nial Moores/Birds Korea, January 2006 (with significant insights and improvements made by Dr. Igor Fefelov and Jesper Hornskov). - In September 2003, a group of experienced observers (including the author) initially identified a marsh harrier at Seosan, South Korea, as a (presumed) Western Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus, a potential national first record. More

Western Marsh Harrier, Austria, April 2008, © Markus Jais Names - English: Western Marsh Harrier, Eurasian Marsh Harrier Scientific: Circus aeruginosus German: Rohrweihe Spanish: Aguilucho lagunero occidental French: Busard des roseaux Taxanomy and Subspecies - Currently two subspecies are recognized : * C. a. aeruginosus everywhere except where harterti occurs * G. a. harterti northwestern Africa from Morocco to Tunisia. More