The spotted harrier also known as the smoke hawk, is a large Australasian bird of prey belonging to the family Accipitridae.
Region
Australasia
Typical Environment
Occurs across much of mainland Australia, favoring open grasslands, shrublands, lightly timbered savannas, and pastoral country. It also ranges to southern New Guinea, where it uses open lowland savanna and grassland. The species avoids dense forest and heavily urbanized areas, preferring expansive open vistas for foraging. Nesting typically takes place on the ground in patches of taller grass or low shrubs, often near lightly wooded edges.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the smoke hawk, the spotted harrier is a graceful low-level hunter that quarters over open country with long, buoyant wingbeats. It nests on the ground in tall grasses or low shrubs and often responds nomadically to prey booms. Diet shifts with availability, ranging from rabbits and small birds to reptiles and large insects. Habitat loss and changes in grazing regimes can reduce suitable nesting cover.
Subadult flying at Pilbara, Western Australia, Australia
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
low, buoyant quartering with short rapid wingbeats and gliding; occasional soaring
Social Behavior
Usually seen alone or in pairs, forming monogamous breeding pairs during the season. Nests are shallow platforms on the ground concealed in dense grass or low shrubs. Clutch size is typically 2–4 eggs, with breeding timed to peaks in prey abundance; the female mainly incubates while the male provisions.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Generally quiet away from the nest, but during breeding it gives sharp kek-kek alarm calls and high, whistled notes. Young beg with drawn-out, squealing calls from the nest.
