ID help

["Philip Veerman" <>]

Yes Dennis is right. Although juvenile Swamp Harriers don't have a white rump, so that is not of itself diagnostic but in combination with that juvenile Swamp Harriers are very dark, it is. Even though the photo isn't clear, the easily seen amount of spotting and bars in the wing and tail make it sure to be a Spotted Harrier. Also Spotted Harrier is more slender than Swamp Harrier, which the photo fits. I would expect more Spotted Harriers than Swamp Harriers out Harden way.

 

Philip

 

-----Original Message-----
From: Denis Wilson [
Sent: Saturday, 30 November 2013 9:52 AM
To: Robin Hide; COG bird discussions
Subject: Re: [canberrabirds] ID help

It is a Spotted Harrier.
No white rump, which rules out the Swamp Harrier.
Long legs, spotted plumage,  Strong brown colour all fit Spotted Harrier.

See photo here

http://birdway.com.au/accipitridae/spotted_harrier/source/image/spotted_harrier_09785.jpg

Denis Wilson

Denis Wilson
Springtime - Ya wouldn't be dead for Quids.

"The Nature of Robertson"
www.peonyden.blogspot.com.au

On Sat, Nov 30, 2013 at 7:28 AM, Robin Hide <> wrote:

This raptor was hunting low over wheat fields just out of Harden yesterday - snapped from car window.

Am I right in thinking it’s likely to be  a Swamp Harrier? (from flying/hunting mode, colouring, wingtips, legs etc)

Thanks,

Robin Hide