Also even from looking at the photos of the 2 species, the Swamp Harrier has a bigger head and especially beak, than the Spotted Harrier. Also the Swamp Harrier
is typically more bulky looking than the Spotted Harrier. Also although not in front view Julian’s Swamp Harrier picture shows the much more plain unmarked leading edge of upper wing and much less strongly barred main flight feathers. Yes they will at times
share habitat.
From: Philip Veerman [
Sent: Monday, 14 January, 2019 2:49 PM
To: 'Julian Robinson'
Subject: RE: [canberrabirds] Harrier ID please
Yes of course
it’s an immature rather than juv. I was loose in words. So many things to do today….. So don’t quote my original message
in post a long discussion
on that point. As for
tip about leading upper wing edge: the wrist (i.e. carpal joint) which is usually wrongly called the shoulder, the whole
section of feathers leading the primaries & secondaries are patterned there in grey barring or spots. In the Swamp Harrier this area is fairly plain. This is a consistent difference between the 2 species at all ages & both sexes.
From: Julian Robinson [
Sent: Monday, 14 January, 2019 2:33 PM
To: 'Philip Veerman'
Subject: RE: [canberrabirds] Harrier ID please
Thanks Philip. I’m about to post a long discussion re this which concludes IMHO it’s an immature rather than juv. But I had a better photo available that I spruced up. I really don’t get Stephen’s
tip about leading upper wing edge, have looked at the pics in all my guides and HANZAB and can’t see what he’s saying. If you can explain it further (what I’m looking for) I’d be grateful.
Thanks as always for your input and help.
From: Philip Veerman [
Sent: Monday, 14 January 2019 10:46 AM
To: 'Julian Robinson'; 'canberrabirds chatline'
Subject: RE: [canberrabirds] Harrier ID please
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
