Marsh Harrier
Circus aeruginosus (Linnaeus)

Identification: It is one of the biggest Harriers, about the size of a Kite measuring around 54-59 cm in length. It has a dark brown plumage with pale rufous head, neck and breast. Its undersides are also rufous. The tail is silvery gray and there are gray patches on the wings.

Habitat: It is found in marshes and wetlands.

Distribution: It is mainly a common winter visitor but has been sighted on the wetlands of Balochistan during summer as well. It has also been seen near wetlands of Sindh and Punjab and coastal areas of Sindh and Balochistan.

Breeding: It is reported that several pairs breed at Zangi Nawar Lake during April-May. Number of eggs laid is 4-5.

Food: It feeds on frogs, fish, small lizards, snakes, small mammals, small water birds, etc.

Status: Common