MARSH HAWK
WR

As you gaze across the marshes of Jamestown or the Colonial Parkway, look for the unmistakable marsh hawk. He is a large, methodical hunter and will be seen sailing low in search of mice, rats, squirrels, lizards, young muskrats and water snakes. The quarry is usually devoured at the spot where it is taken.

The male bird has a bluish-gray back, pearly white breast and a conspicuous snow-white rump. The latter is a handy identification mark found in both sexes which also have the hooked beak and curved talons of all birds of prey. Wingspread of these birds is forty-three to forty-five inches.

During courtship time, the male bird often flies high in the air, folds its wings and drops to the earth like a plummet, righting himself just before striking the ground. Sometimes in the maneuver, the bird will turn a complete somersault or fly down in a tailspin. All of this showing off is for the enjoyment of the female bird usually perched close by.

The marsh hawk is one of the "good" hawks. It rarely takes poultry; studies show that it helps the quail population by preying on many rats that destroy quail eggs.

Wildlife Neighbors Home Page