Scientific name: Circus aeruginosus (Linnaeus, 1758)
Bird group: Birds-of-prey
Field characters. Length 48-56 cm; wingspan 110-125 cm. Differs from other harriers in bigger size, heavier bill, broader wings and absence of distinct white patch on rump. Flies low in "swinging" vol plané. Plumage variable. Adult male dark chestnut-brown above, with slate grey tail, contrasting with grey secondaries and black primaries; streaked isabelline head, neck, and breast and brown underparts. Female and juvenile male without grey, almost plain dark brown, with cream-coloured head and shoulders. Juvenile dark chocolate brown with creamy yellow crown and throat. Builds large nest in reed marshes.
Voice. In spring a plaintive, shrill, Lapwing-like "kwee-è" and similar sounds; outside of the breeding season sometimes a shrill and repeated "kjik" and a vibrating "feeh".
Distribution. Locally fairly common breeding bird.
Habitat. In all seasons, prefers large reed beds in standing fresh or brackish waters or similar marshy areas; also in irrigated fields and peat bogs.
Food. Quarters flat areas in low flight, dropping onto prey, which is taken by surprise. Diet consists mainly of small mammals and birds; occasionally insects, frogs, snakes, and fish.
Eggs. Unmarked, rarely spotted reddish, often stained by nest material. Ground colour bluish-white/greenish-white. Texture not glossy, sometimes with small chalk notches. Shape subelliptical/short subelliptical. Size 50 x 93 mm (44-56 x 35-43), weight 40 g (32-49).