Hen Harrier and Marsh Harrier (1 Viewer)

Redkiteavoca

3D Artist and aspiring Bird Photographer

• Dec 10, 2017

• #1

Hi everyone, my name is David and I'm from Ireland, I am new to the forum and really want to find out about something that has me in deep thought!
What is the main difference between a Marsh Harrier and a Hen Harrier? Thank you in advance for any replies B

 

wolfbirder

Well-known member

• Dec 10, 2017

• #2

All harriers hunt in a similar way David, I suppose, in that they float on v-shaped wings low over the terrain they hunt over. In winter both tend to hunt over coastal estuaries, marsh harriers moreso over reedbeds.

Hen Harriers breed over moorland, often over grouse moors where they are persecuted.

Marsh Harriers are the heaviest and bulkiest.

Plumage wise they are different. Male Hen Harriers are generally grey, black and white - beautiful birds, whilst females and juveniles are generally brown birds with streaky underparts and an obvious white rump.

Female and juvenile Marsh Harriers are usually all-brown but usually with a pale crown, often yellowish in juveniles. Male Marsh Harriers are tri-coloured black, white and brown.

Have a look at some YouTube clips of each species.

I love harriers, stunning birds, also Montagu's Harrier and Pallid Harriers though they are rare on our isles (UK and Ireland)

 

ClarkWGriswold

Carpe Carpum

Supporter

• Dec 10, 2017

• #3

Hi David and welcome to BirdForum. I think Nick has summed up nicely the differences.

Rich

 

Fritz73

Wat mutt, dat mutt!

Staff member

Supporter

• Dec 10, 2017

• #4

Hola David!

Welcome to Birdforum :t:

 

Chris G6 UXU

Super Moderator

Staff member

Supporter

• Dec 10, 2017

• #5

Hello David and welcome to the forum, enjoy and all the best.

 

delia todd

If I said the wrong thing it was a Senior Moment

Staff member

Opus Editor

Supporter

• Dec 10, 2017

• #6

Hi David and a warm welcome from me too.

You could also have a look at The Opus articles - this one is for the Hen Harrier and there is a link on it to the Marsh Harrier.

I'm sure you will enjoy it here and I hope to hear about all the birds you see when out and about.

 

Andrew Whitehouse

Professor of Listening

Supporter

• Dec 10, 2017

• #7

Welcome to BirdForum David! We hope you enjoy your time here.

 

Kits

Picture Picker

Social Media Editor

• Dec 11, 2017

• #8

Welcome to BirdForum! I am sure you will find lots to interest you here, and I hope you enjoy your visits.

 

Redkiteavoca

3D Artist and aspiring Bird Photographer

• Dec 11, 2017

• #9

Thank you wolfbirder for that detailed answer it is really nice of you to take the time to explain this to me, I appreciate all the replies and welcomes from everyone! thank you so much and I'm sure I'll enjoy this place

 

wolfbirder

Well-known member

• Dec 12, 2017

• #10

Redkiteavoca said:

Thank you wolfbirder for that detailed answer it is really nice of you to take the time to explain this to me, I appreciate all the replies and welcomes from everyone! thank you so much and I'm sure I'll enjoy this place

Click to expand...

No problem at all David.

I love harriers , Infact the male Hen Harrier is my favourite bird along with male Montagu’s and male Pallid Harrier.

 

Last edited: Dec 12, 2017