African Marsh Harrier
Circus ranivorus
Marshlands. Dark brown, long-winged hawk; paler brown below; underwings well barred; flies low.
Harriers, Marsh Harriers
EN
Not Endemic
Description
Common resident with fragmented distribution. Differs from uncommon [Western Marsh Harrier] in darker, more richly coloured underparts, but old birds may become whiter about the head. Typically more heavily barred on the underwings and tail than that species; also more richly coloured on underparts than female of [Pallid Harrier] or [Montagu’s Harrier] ; tail less obviously barred above. Immature has diagnostic pale breast-band. Call is a whistled ‘phseew’. Breeding early spring/summer in southern regions to late summer/autumn farther north in relation to rainfall. Usually occurs singly, flying over marshland and reed beds, occasionally over cultivated fields exhibiting a nomadic tendencies. Feeds on small rodents, birds and nestlings to amphibians and fish Rests on the ground, sometimes on a fence post. 350 -600 g
Quick Facts
Size
44-49 cm - L
Names
A: Afrikaanse Vleivalk
Z: umamhlangenonsundu
Ss: Mmankgodimohlaka Wa Afrika
G: Afrikanische Rohrweihe, Froschweihe
Bird Family
Long-winged, long-tailed, long-legged hawks that inhabit grassland or marshes. They usually fly low with leisurely, buoyant flight, head bent downwards and legs dangling slightly, bouts of flapping alternating with glides and wings held in a shallow ‘V'-shape above their bodies. They settle on the ground or perch on posts, less often in trees. Silent birds.
Distribution
Gallery
Behaviour
Breeding
Habitat
Usually occurs singly, flying over marshland and reed beds, occasionally over cultivated fields exhibiting a nomadic tendencies.
