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.
Plumage
Slate-grey upperparts with fine pale spotting on the coverts, rich rufous underparts barred and spotted whitish, and a long, boldly banded tail. Juveniles are browner overall with less distinct spotting. A subtle facial ruff gives an owl-like look typical of harriers.
Diet
Takes small mammals such as rabbits and rodents, ground-dwelling and small birds, reptiles like lizards, and large insects including grasshoppers. Hunts by coursing low over open country, suddenly stooping on prey located by sight and sound. Will opportunistically scavenge but primarily captures live prey. Diet composition shifts with seasonal prey availability.
Preferred Environment
Forages over grasslands, open shrublands, lightly wooded savannas, agricultural fields, and along the edges of wetlands or fallows. Prefers broad open areas that allow unobstructed low-level flight and visibility.
