Western Marsh Harrier: Nest & eggs

The Western Marsh Harrier builds its nest down in the reeds, unlike the raptors that nest in trees.

  • Nest site: the nest is a platform of reeds and plant material placed on the ground or in the wet reeds, well hidden from view.
  • Habitat: it is placed in larger reed-rich lowland lakes and in farmland with broad reed belts.
  • Eggs and young: the female usually lays 4–5 eggs, which she incubates for 31–38 days while the male hunts and provides her with food.

The well-concealed ground nest in dense reeds protects the eggs from both ground predators and disturbance.

More about the Western Marsh Harrier

  • Song & calls
  • Breeding
  • Diet
  • In winter
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