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Western marsh harrier

Index card

Introduction

Circus aeruginosus

This diurnal bird of prey is around 50–56 cm long and has a wingspan of about 110–125 cm. It lives in damp areas with abundant riverside vegetation close to rivers, lakes and marshes. Its flight is marked by moving its wings very slowly and gliding for long distances. It spends many hours still on the ground or on a branch waiting to dive into the water to catch its prey.

It mainly feeds on water birds, eggs, water voles, frogs, toads and snakes. 

It is easiest to see when it comes here to winter and is less frequently seen in the summer.

Images