Western marsh harrier

The Western marsh harrier is a large bird of prey that typically inhabits wetland areas, marshes, and reed beds throughout Norway during the breeding season.

This distinctive raptor arrives in Norway during spring and migrates south for the winter months. The Western marsh harrier is larger and more robust than the Hen harrier, with a wingspan that can exceed 130 cm. The species exhibits significant sexual dimorphism—the male features striking grey, brown, and black plumage with distinctive grey wing patches, while the female is predominantly brown with a cream-colored head and shoulders.

I have observed the Western marsh harrier near wetland areas close to my residence in Southern Norway. These birds hunt by flying low over reed beds and marshes, using their keen eyesight to locate prey. Their hunting technique involves a characteristic slow, methodical flight pattern as they quarter the marshland in search of small mammals, birds, and occasionally fish or amphibians.

The Western marsh harrier is known for its spectacular aerial displays during courtship, where the male performs dramatic sky-dancing maneuvers to attract a mate. These displays are a remarkable sight when observed during the breeding season.