Hen Harrier and Marsh Harrier (1 Viewer)

[Redkiteavoca]

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]

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]

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

Rich

 

[Fritz73]

Hola David!

Welcome to Birdforum :t:

 

[Chris G6 UXU]

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

 

[delia todd]

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]

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

 

[Kits]

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

 

[Redkiteavoca]

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]

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

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.