Hello Julian,
Nice observation. It is a Spotted Harrier (juvenile, which as you noted, is more streaked than spotted). The markings are too strong for a Swamp Harrier. Also
the main diagnostic aspect is the leading edge upper wing is also strongly patterned. These are relatively plain unmarked in all forms of the Swamp Harrier. That is what Stephen Debus taught me. Streaks on the underside would not fit with lack of white rump
for a Swamp Harrier. Also it appears to be over dry grassland.
Philip
From: Julian Robinson [
Sent: Monday, 14 January, 2019 10:17 AM
To: canberrabirds chatline
Subject: [canberrabirds] Harrier ID please
Can anyone give me a diagnosis of this distant harrier seen at Parkwood Road on Saturday please? I’ve tried examining the ‘spots’ but can’t clearly distinguish between the spots of a spotted or the streaks
of a swamp. The undertail has strong bars which I believe is more indicative of a spotted. No sign of a white rump that I could see but not sure if it would be visible in the views I got.
Thanks,
Julian
