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Long-legged medium-sized raptor with long narrow wings.
Not listed
Indigenous: Swamp Hawk, Allied Harrier, Harrier, Gould's Harrier, Kahu
At a glance
FamilyHawks, Eagles, and Kites
SizeLarge
RarityCommon
HabitatOpen country, coast, woodland edge, river corridors, and thermal-rich skies over fields or ridgelines.
Best timeMost reliable in Victoria from September to January.
Sounds
Sound sampleRecorded by Ramit Singal
Range map
Range map
4554visible hotspots
152167visible records
6states
SparseModerateDense hotspot
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