African Marsh Harrier

The African Marsh Harrier is a medium-sized raptor with a distinctive owl-like facial disc. Adults have rich brown plumage, black wing tips and a pale rump patch. The tail is barred with dark bands, and the legs are long and yellow.

Males are generally lighter in colour than females, with more distinct pale streaking on the breast and underwings. Juveniles resemble females but have a more uniform brown colouration and lack the barred tail of adults.

The African Marsh Harrier is generally silent outside of the breeding season. During courtship and territorial displays, males produce a series of sharp, repetitive 'kek-kek-kek' calls. Females may respond with a softer, mewing sound.

When alarmed, both sexes emit a harsh, grating 'kraaak' call.

• Look for their characteristic low, wavering flight over wetlands and grasslands
• Listen for their distinctive 'kek-kek-kek' call during breeding season
• Observe them in early morning or late afternoon when they are most active
• Check for their roosting sites in tall reeds or grasses

The African Marsh Harrier is a versatile predator, feeding primarily on small mammals, birds, and reptiles.

They are particularly adept at catching frogs and fish, swooping down to snatch prey from the water's surface or vegetation. When other food sources are scarce, their diet may also include insects and carrion.

Breeding season for African Marsh Harriers typically occurs from July to December, varying slightly across their range. Males perform elaborate sky-dancing displays to attract females, involving steep climbs and dives accompanied by calls.

Nests are built on the ground or in dense vegetation over water, constructed of reeds, grasses, and small sticks. Females lay 3-5 pale blue eggs, which may be speckled with brown.

Incubation lasts about 30-34 days, primarily by the female. Chicks fledge after 35-40 days but remain dependent on their parents for several more weeks as they learn to hunt.

African Marsh Harriers are known for their low, slow flight pattern. They quarter over marshes and grasslands in search of prey. 

They are often solitary but may gather in loose groups during the non-breeding season. These harriers are territorial during breeding, with males performing spectacular aerial displays to attract mates.

While currently listed as Least Concern, the African Marsh Harrier faces threats from habitat loss due to drainage of wetlands and agricultural expansion.

Conservation efforts focus on protecting and restoring wetland habitats across its range to ensure the species' long-term survival.