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Swamp Harrier

(Circus approximans)
Alternative names: "Gould's Harrier", "Allied Harrier", "Swamp-hawk", "Wheat-hawk"
Size: 50-60 cm; wing span 1.2-1.5 m

Habitat
(for details refer to a field guide)

Swamp Harriers are found everywhere on the Australian continent, including Tasmania. They breed in the southern winter and at least part of them migrate to the north during the southern winter.

Swamp Harriers hunt in tall grass and reeds around swamps and other wetlands and above open water. They are therefore often found around wetlands, including ephemeral wetlands.

Sightings

Swamp Harriers have been spotted by us occasionally by road sides, in low flight above reeds or grasslands west of Narrabri, NSW. In October 2005 we saw one on a paddock of the property where we lived, carrying away a snake that it had just caught.

Seen again in August 2010, above Narrabri Lake and in January 2011 20 km east of Narrabri.

A Swamp Harrier was also observed by us near Jerseyville, NSW, in January 2011.

Photos

Lateral view of a Swamp Harrier in flight

View of the underside of a Swamp Harrier (slightly out of focus)

Food

All raptors are carnivores. Swamp Harriers prey on water birds and waders.

These pages are largely based on our own observations. For more salient facts on any bird species please refer to a field guide.