One of the few Australian raptors that hunts by quartering low over marsh and grassland, owl-like.
Not listed
Indigenous: Swamp Hawk, Allied Harrier, Harrier, Gould's Harrier, Kahu
At a glance
FamilyHawks, Eagles, and Kites
SizeLarge
RarityCommon
HabitatIt is usually found in wetlands and well-watered open country.
Best timeMost reliable in Victoria from September to January.
Sounds
Sound sampleRecorded by Ramit Singal
Range map
Range map
200approx hotspots
156795approx records
7states
Low confidenceMediumHigh confidence
Aggregated occurance data is sourced from 14 different actively-updating datasets including eBird Australia, iNaturalist Australia, BirdLife Australia, and multiple state-based bird surveys through Atlas of Living Australia.
Species notes
Overview
Adult has varied plumage, but note diagnostic prominent white rump. Juvenile is darker below. Flies slowly and low over open habitats with wings held in shallow V shape.
Behavior
Breeds in reed-beds, and occurs mainly in swamps and wetlands.
Gallery
Regional timing
New South Wales
Tasmania
Western Australia
Victoria
Northern Territory
Queensland
South Australia
Australian Capital Territory