Eurasian Marsh Harrier

It is a territorial bird in the breeding season, and even in winter it seems less social than other harriers, which often gather in large flocks. But this is probably simply due to habitat preferences, as the marsh harriers are completely allopatric while several of C. aeruginosus grassland and steppe relatives winter in the same regions and assemble at food sources such as locust outbreaks. It hunts in typical harrier fashion, gliding low over flat open ground on its search for prey, with its wings held in a shallow V-shape and often with dangling legs.

It is strongly associated with wetland areas. It can also be met with in a variety of other open habitats, such as farmland and grassland.

It feeds on small mammals, small birds, insects, reptiles, and frogs.

The ground nest is made of sticks, reeds and grasses. There are between three and eight eggs in a normal clutch.