Kingdom Animalia Order Accipitriformes Genus Circus Higher classification Circus | Phylum Chordata Family Accipitridae Scientific name Circus maurus Rank Species | |
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Similar Bird, African marsh harrier, Jackal buzzard, Spotted harrier, Rufous‑breasted sparrowhawk | ||
The black harrier (Circus maurus) is a medium-sized African harrier whose range extends from South Africa to Botswana and Namibia.
It has a wingspan of 105–115 cm (41–45 in) and a body length of 44–50 cm (17–20 in).
When perched, this bird appears all black. However, in flight a white rump and flight feathers become visible. Its morphology is comparable to that of other harriers, with a slim body, narrow wings and a long tail. Male and female plumages are similar. Juveniles have buff under-parts and heavily spotted breasts.
Like other harriers it nests on the ground in tall vegetation. Three to five eggs are laid and incubated 35 days.
It feeds mostly on small rodents and birds and will occasionally take reptiles, catching them while flying low over its hunting grounds.
The greatest number of breeding pairs can be found in the Western Cape province, South Africa. In this area loose colonies aggregate around coastal wetlands. Breeding in Namibia is suspected but not confirmed.
The black harrier population has declined in recent years to fewer than 1000 birds, and it is now classified as vulnerable, despite still having a wide breeding range. This is due to the destruction of its original breeding habitat, South Africa's natural shrubland, the fynbos, which has been greatly reduced by encroaching cereal culture and urban expansion.