Spotted Harrier
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Spotted Harrier
Conservation status
Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Aves Order: Falconiformes Family: Accipitridae Genus: Circus Species: C. assimilis
Binomial name
Circus assimilis Jardine & Selby, 1828

In flight, Samsonvale, SE Queensland, Australia April 2008

The Spotted Harrier, Circus assimilis, also known as the Smoke Hawk, is a large bird of prey in the family Accipitridae.

Description

It is similar to the Swamp Harrier, distinguished by grey upperparts, chestnut facial disc and dark rump. Its wing length ranges between 375-470 mm, with females being larger.

Distribution and habitat

The Spotted Harrier inhabits Sulawesi, the Lesser Sunda Islands and is sparsely distributed throughout mainland Australia. It inhabits open country, especially in arid and semiarid regions.

Behaviour

Breeding

This species usually nests in trees, building a platform of twigs lined with green leaves for the clutch of 2-4 eggs. The incubation period is about 33 days, with chicks fledging about 37 days after hatching.

Feeding

It eats ground birds, rabbits, rodents and lizards.

References

• BirdLife International. (2006). Species factsheet: Circus assimilis. Downloaded from http://www.birdlife.org on 4/12/2006
• Marchant, S.; & Higgins, P.J. (Eds). Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic Birds. Vol,2: Raptors to Lapwings. Oxford University Press: Melbourne. ISBN 0-19-553069-1

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