Circus spilothorax
The Papuan Harrier (Circus spilothorax) is a striking, medium-sized raptor endemic to the island of New Guinea and its immediate vicinity, distinguished by its buoyant, quartering flight over open terrain. Averaging 48-58 cm in length with a wingspan of 110-140 cm, this slender bird of prey exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism, a hallmark among harriers. Males are predominantly pale grey above with white undersides, contrasting sharply with black wingtips and a characteristic white rump, oft...
Found primarily in open wetlands, marshes, tall grasslands, rice fields, and cultivated plains, often near water bodies. It occurs from sea level up to high-altitude montane grasslands, sometimes reaching elevations of 3,800 meters.
Primarily preys on small mammals (especially rodents), small birds, frogs, reptiles, and large insects. It hunts by flying low over open habitats, ambushing prey on the ground.
Papuan Harriers are diurnal raptors, often beginning their hunting activities shortly after dawn. They are renowned for their distinctive hunting flight: a slow, buoyant quartering just above the vegetation, with wings held in a shallow V-shape, allowing them to detect prey by sight and sound. Th...
The Papuan Harrier is endemic to the island of New Guinea, encompassing both the Indonesian provinces of Papua and West Papua, and the independent nation of Papua New Guinea. Its distribution spans the entirety of this large island, from the low-lying coastal plains and extensive riverine floodpl...
Least Concern
- The Papuan Harrier's distinctive slow, buoyant flight with wings held in a 'V' shape is a classic harrier hunting technique, allowing it to efficiently scan vast areas. - Its 'owl-like' facial disc helps funnel sound to its ears, aiding in locating prey hidden in dense vegetation by sound alone...