Marsh Harrier
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Marsh Harrier in the UK
Marsh Harrier is one of Britain's conservation recoveries. It died out as a breeding bird in 1899, returned in 1927, and by 1971 was down to a single pair in Suffolk. It now numbers roughly 600 to 700 pairs, and the breeding trend since 1995 is up by more than 250%. Most are in eastern England, with pairs now established in north-west England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. It was once almost entirely a summer visitor, but increasing numbers stay through the winter. It is Amber-listed and protected under Schedule 1.
Where and when to see a Marsh Harrier
Large reedbeds and the marshes and arable fields around them. RSPB Minsmere, Strumpshaw Fen, Lakenheath Fen, Blacktoft Sands and Leighton Moss all have birds in view from hides and paths. April and May are best for display, when males climb high over the reeds and pass food to females in mid-air. In winter, look over coastal marshes in the south and east, the Fens and the Somerset Levels. Sunny days with a light breeze get birds up and hunting.
Habitat, diet and field notes
Habitat: Reedbeds.
Diet: Small mammals, birds.
Field note: Low, rocking flight.
How to identify a Marsh Harrier
About the size of a Buzzard but slimmer, with longer wings and tail. It quarters low over reeds with the wings held in a shallow V, tilting from side to side. Females are dark chocolate brown with a cream crown, throat and leading edge to the wing. Males are three-coloured: brown body and wing coverts, pale grey flight feathers and tail, and black wing-tips. Juveniles look like dark females with a golden head. There is no white rump, unlike other British harriers.
Call and song
Usually silent. In spring the displaying male gives a thin, nasal, two-note 'kwee-oo' from high above the reedbed, a little like a Lapwing. Heard something you cannot place? Bird Hear identifies UK birds from a 10 second recording, free in your browser.
Confusion species
- Common Buzzard: Buzzard is broader-winged and shorter-tailed, soars on raised wings in circles and shows pale patches under the wing.
- Hen Harrier: Female Hen Harrier is slimmer and streaked, with a clear white rump and a barred tail; the male is pale grey all over.
Related guide UK raptors and owls.
Conservation status and Birdedex points
In the Birdedex the Marsh Harrier is an Uncommon tier bird, worth +3 points when you log one. It is Amber-listed in Birds of Conservation Concern 5, the middle level of concern in the UK. It is protected under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, so it is an offence to disturb it at or near the nest. We blur the location of every sighting of this species.
Where to see it
Reserves where the Marsh Harrier is on the list:
Recent UK sightings
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Similar birds
- Hen HarrierRare · Moorland
- Montagu's HarrierRare · Cereal fields (very rare breeder)
- Northern HarrierLegendary · Marsh (very rare)
- Pallid HarrierEpic · Open ground (rare passage)
- Bearded TitUncommon · Large reedbeds (E. England)
- Common CuckooUncommon · Reedbeds
Marsh Harrier: quick answers
Where can I see a Marsh Harrier in the UK?
East Anglia is the heartland: almost any large reedbed in Norfolk or Suffolk has them. Outside the east, try the big reedbed reserves in Lancashire, the Humber, Somerset and Anglesey. Watch from a raised bank or hide with a wide view over the reeds.
When is the best time to see Marsh Harrier?
April to July for the most activity, with display in spring and adults carrying food to the nest in summer. Winter is also good on the east and south coasts, when birds hunt over marshes through the short day.
What does a Marsh Harrier eat?
Small mammals, small birds, the chicks of waterbirds, frogs and some carrion. It hunts by flying slowly a few metres up and dropping feet first onto prey it surprises in the vegetation.
Kit that helps
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