How rare is a marsh harrier?
In 1971, this impressive raptor was Britain’s rarest breeding bird. Since then, numbers have steadily increased and today there are 590–695 breeding pairs in Britain. Head to one of its stronghold and you may be lucky enough to spot its silhouette nicking the sky like a razor; a sharp-cut chevron on a backdrop of blue.
What does a marsh harrier symbolize?
Marsh harrier symbolism depends upon perspective. Due to its predatory nature, it stands as a power symbol while many consider the bird a symbol of ruthlessness or undaunted fearlessness and courage.

How can you tell a marsh harrier?
The largest of the harriers, the marsh harrier can be recognised by its long tail and light flight with wings held in a shallow ‘V’. It is distinguishable from other harriers by its larger size, heavier build, broader wings and absence of white on the rump. Females are larger than males and have obvious creamy heads.
Is a harrier a hawk or a falcon?
harrier, any of about 11 species of hawks of the subfamily Circinae (family Accipitridae). They are plain-looking, long-legged, and long-tailed birds of slender build that cruise low over meadows and marshes looking for mice, snakes, frogs, small birds, and insects. Harriers are about 50 cm (20 inches) long.
What is the difference between a buzzard and a marsh harrier?

Buzzards are the most frequently seen medium-sized birds of prey. They have broader wings and shorter tails than the harriers or red kites. Their plumage can vary from a uniform dark brown to much paler colours. Underneath they have dark shoulders with a pale mid-wing and adults have a dark trailing edge.
Do marsh harriers nest in trees?
Nesting: Invariably, Marsh Harriers nest on the ground in long vegetation. Historically, British Marsh Harriers have always nested in reed beds, although in Europe they nest in rank vegetation and even in agricultural crops.
What does my Patronus mean marsh harrier?
Having a Marsh Harrier as your Patronus means you find comfort in seeing the big picture. Appropriate to a Slytherin, you are an individualistic, sensible person. You tend to operate best by yourself and like to take the time to look over everything from a safe distance so you can plot out your next step.
What does it mean if your Patronus is a marsh harrier?
A marsh harrier patronus can represent an owner who is extremely smart and witty. Much like Ravenclaw who represent intelligence and wit. As well as that a marsh harrier patronus can represent quick thinkers who often think of new ideas, just like Ravenclaw who are creative and tend to think quickly and logically.
What does a harrier look like?
Northern Harriers are slender, medium-sized raptors with long, fairly broad wings and a long, rounded tail. They have a flat, owl-like face and a small, sharply hooked bill. Harriers often fly with their wings held in a dihedral, or V-shape above the horizontal.
Is a marsh harrier a hawk?
The marsh harriers are birds of prey of the harrier subfamily. They are medium-sized raptors and the largest and broadest-winged harriers. Most of them are associated with marshland and dense reedbeds. They are found almost worldwide, excluding only the Americas….Marsh harrier.
Marsh harriers | |
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Genus: | Circus |
Species |
Where are harrier birds found?
The hen harrier lives in open areas with low vegetation. In the breeding season UK birds are to be found on the upland heather moorlands of Wales, Northern England, Northern Ireland and Scotland (as well as the Isle of Man). In winter they move to lowland farmland, heathland, coastal marshes, fenland and river valleys.
How can you tell a buzzard from a marsh harrier?