African marsh harrier

The African marsh harrier is a bird of prey belonging to the harrier genus Circus. It is largely resident in wetland habitats in southern, central and eastern Africa from South Africa north to South Sudan.

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Distribution

Region

Sub-Saharan Africa

Typical Environment

Found in freshwater and brackish wetlands across southern, central, and eastern Africa, from South Africa north to South Sudan and adjacent regions. It favors extensive reedbeds, papyrus swamps, floodplains, vleis, and the margins of shallow lakes and rivers. The species also hunts over adjacent damp grasslands and rice fields, especially where cover is tall. Nests are built on the ground in dense wetland vegetation, often well concealed among reeds.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 3000 m

Climate Zone

Tropical

Characteristics

Size44–55 cm

Wing Span110–130 cm

Male Weight0.45 kg

Female Weight0.72 kg

Life Expectancy12 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

This harrier specializes in hunting over reedbeds and marshes, often flying low with a buoyant, quartering flight. Its name, ranivorus, means 'frog-eating', reflecting a diet that frequently includes amphibians. Females are noticeably larger than males, a common raptor trait. Drainage and burning of wetlands are key threats to its breeding habitat.

Gallery

African marsh harrier, KwaZulu-Natal

Behaviour

Temperament

solitary and territorial

Flight Pattern

low quartering flight with elastic wingbeats and glides, often in a shallow V-shaped dihedral

Social Behavior

Typically nests singly, with pairs defending territories in extensive reedbeds. The nest is a platform of reeds placed on the ground or low in dense marsh vegetation. Courtship includes aerial chases and food passes. Outside the breeding season it may roost communally in marshes but remains loosely associated.

Migratory Pattern

Partial migrant

Song Description

Usually quiet away from the nest, giving sharp, high-pitched whistles and chattering calls near breeding sites. Vocal activity increases during courtship and when alarmed.

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Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

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