Spotted Harrier 

The Spotted Harrier is a large, slim-bodied raptor (bird of prey) with a striking white-spotted chestnut breast and mainly blue-grey upper parts. It has an owl-like chestnut coloured facial disc with a narrow light grey ruff around it and yellow eyes. It has long slender yellow legs and a long tail, with a wedge-shaped tip. Its long, broad wings have dark, well rounded, 'fingered' tips. The female Spotted Harrier is larger than the male. The Spotted Harrier glides slowly, with up-swept wings. It is also called the Allied or Jardine's Harrier or the Spotted Swamp-hawk.

Similar species

The similar Swamp Harrier, C. approximans, has striped rather than dark wing tips and a more finely barred tail. The Swamp Harrier's white rump is also distinctive.

Distribution

The Spotted Harrier is found in mainland Australia and Indonesia. It is widespread but sparsely distributed.

Habitat

The Spotted Harrier is found in open wooded country in tropical and temperate Australia, particularly in arid and semi-arid areas.

Seasonal movements

The Spotted Harrier is partly nomadic, in response to local conditions.

Feeding

The Spotted Harrier hunts by day, quartering (systematically searching) low over the ground, gliding with up-swept wings. Its favourite prey are ground birds such as quail and pipits and it will also take mice, rats, rabbits and lizards. It rarely eats carrion.

Breeding

The nest is built in trees in open or remnant woodland and is a large flimsy platform of twigs and sticks, lined with green leaves. The female Spotted Harrier incubates the eggs, broods and guards the young. The male hunts and brings food to the female.

Source: www.birdsinbackyards.net