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Australasian Harrier

Kahu

Circus approximans

The Harrier is not really a bird of forested areas, preferring more open country. However the village seems to be within the hunting range of a pair, one of whom works the place on a regular basis.

I had never seen one on or over Ulva Island until recently (follow link), when we saw one working over the middle of the Island. What was really interesting was that the bird song within the forest just switched off and all bird movement stopped as the Harrier drifted overhead. I have also seen one flying slowly over Paterson Inlet some 500m offshore. It was attacked by a pair of Black Oystercatchers who were nesting on Landing Bay. Testament to their eyesight.

And particularly interesting was a harrier I have observed circling over what appeared to be small fish surface feeding in Little Glory Bay. I had not known Harriers to show interest in water born food sources.

Harrier apparently arrived in New Zealand around 1000 years ago

Size 450 mm


Harrier calls
Harrier feeding.