The Marsh Harrier

The Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus) is frequently seen at Wicken Fen and each year there are two or three female nesting deep in the reedbeds. They construct their nest from twigs and it may be quite large so that it does not flood if the water level rises in the reedbeds after heavy rain.

The Marsh Harrier is the largest of the harriers that can be seen in Britain, with a wing span of up to 140cm. It feeds on small mammals (such as rabbits, mice and voles) and other birds (such as ducks, coots, waders). In the autumn and winter, the Marsh Harriers at Wicken are often joined by several Hen Harriers (Circus cyaneus), who migrate here from the British uplands, as they can find more food and the weather is less harsh.