Spotted Harrier.
Photo: Purnell Collection © Australian Museum
Distribution map of Circus assimilis
Map © Birds Australia Birdata
Spotted Harrier
Scientific name: Circus assimilis
Family: Accipitridae
Order: Falconiformes
What does it look like?
Description
The Spotted Harrier is a large, slim-bodied raptor (bird of prey) with a striking white-spotted chestnut breast and mainly blue-grey upper parts. It has an owl-like chestnut coloured facial disc with a narrow light grey ruff around it and yellow eyes. It has long slender yellow legs and a long tail, with a wedge-shaped tip. Its long, broad wings have dark, well rounded, 'fingered' tips. The female Spotted Harrier is larger than the male. The Spotted Harrier glides slowly, with up-swept wings. It is also called the Allied or Jardine's Harrier or the Spotted Swamp-hawk.
Similar species
The similar Swamp Harrier, C. approximans, has striped rather than dark wing tips and a more finely barred tail. The Swamp Harrier's white rump is also distinctive.
Where does it live?
Distribution
The Spotted Harrier is found in mainland Australia and Indonesia. It is widespread but sparsely distributed.
Habitat
The Spotted Harrier is found in open wooded country in tropical and temperate Australia, particularly in arid and semi-arid areas.
Seasonal movements
The Spotted Harrier is partly nomadic, in response to local conditions.What does it do?
Feeding
The Spotted Harrier hunts by day, quartering (systematically searching) low over the ground, gliding with up-swept wings. Its favourite prey are ground birds such as quail and pipits and it will also take mice, rats, rabbits and lizards. It rarely eats carrion.
Breeding
The nest is built in trees in open or remnant woodland and is a large flimsy platform of twigs and sticks, lined with green leaves. The female Spotted Harrier incubates the eggs, broods and guards the young. The male hunts and brings food to the female.
Living with us
Living with humans
Spotted Harriers are secure in Australia, though generally uncommon. They often nest near ripening crops, where food is plentiful.References
Marchant, S. and Higgins, P.J. (eds) 1993. Handbook of Australian New Zealand And Antartic Birds Vol. 2: (Raptors To Lapwings). Oxford University Press, Melbourne.
Olsen, P., Crome, F. and Olsen, J. 1993. The Birds of Prey and Ground Birds of Australia. Angus and Robertson, and the National Photographic Index of Australian Wildlife, Sydney.
Beruldsen, G 2003. Australian Birds: Their Nests and Eggs. Self-published, Queensland.