A medium-sized bird of prey found across European and Asian wetland ecosystems, characterized by its distinctive hunting behavior and ecological adaptation to marshy environments.
Image Gallery
ADSENSE SLOT
Ecology & Habitat
Habitat
Freshwater and coastal wetlands, reed beds, marshes, and agricultural landscapes with extensive grassland and water proximity, ranging from Western Europe to Central Asia
Ecological Role
Key predator in wetland food webs, controlling populations of small mammals, amphibians, and birds, thereby maintaining ecological balance in marsh ecosystems
Morphology
SKIN COATSexually dimorphic plumage, males predominantly grey, females and juveniles brown with pale head markings
LIMBS WINGSLong, broad wings with distinct finger-like primaries, enabling exceptional maneuverability and low-altitude hunting techniques
HEAD SENSORYSharp, hooked beak, large forward-facing eyes with exceptional visual acuity for hunting prey in dense vegetation
BODY STRUCTUREWingspan of 1.1-1.3 m, body length 41-53 cm, weight 400-1000 g, with long wings and tail adapted for low-altitude gliding hunting
Data Source: TaxonHub Database
Image Credit: Michele Lamberti
