Western Marsh-harrier (Circus aeruginosus) **
The Western Marsh-Harrier (Circus aeruginosus) is a large bird of prey known for its impressive wingspan, powerful flight, and preference for wetland habitats. Males have a striking appearance with brown plumage accented by pale grey on their wings, while females are generally darker, with a cream-colored crown and throat. This raptor is commonly found across Europe, parts of Asia, and North Africa, where it frequents marshes, reed beds, and riverbanks. Skilled hunters, Western Marsh-Harriers feed on a varied diet of small mammals, birds, amphibians, and insects, often gliding low over water and vegetation as they search for prey. They are migratory, with populations from colder regions wintering in southern Europe, Africa, and South Asia. Conservation efforts have supported their recovery in some areas, as they are sensitive to habitat disturbance and rely on protected wetlands to thrive.
NOT EVALUATED | DATA DEFICIENT | LEAST CONCERN** | NEAR THREATENED | VULNERABLE | ENDANGERED | CRITICALLY ENDANGERED | EXTINCT IN THE WILD | EXTINCT |
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NE | DD | LC | NT | VU | EN | CR | EW | EX |