‘Pacific Black Duck,Swamp Harrier (C)Ian Wilson 2016 birdlifephotography.org.au’
Spotted Harrier – (C) Georgina Steytler
Habitat at a Glance
See Habitat Guide for more detail
Shelter: Large trees for nesting and raising their young
Diet: Mammals, birds, frogs, and reptiles
Water: Bird baths and frog ponds
ReWild Benefit: Pest control
Habitat Guide - Shelter
Natural Shelter
Swamp Harriers build nests high in the canopy of large mature trees dotted throughout the landscape. They perch high in the tree tops to scan for potential prey and suitable habitat.
Keep and maintain mature trees in your garden to provide habitat and shelter for local birds of prey. Alternatively, you can plant a large habitat tree for future generations.
Novel Shelter
Not required.
Habitat Guide - Food and Water
Providing natural sources of food
Swamp Harriers are predators and investigate local gardens for potential prey including small birds, reptiles, mammals, and frogs.
Toxins from baits are travelling up the food chain as birds feed on poisoned rodents. Overtime, the toxins build up in the birds body and result in lethargy, clumsiness, paralysis, and are ultimately fatal.
If baits are required to control a rodent problem, look for the active ingredients Warfarin or Coumatetralyl as they are much less harmful to birdlife.
Providing sources of water
Swamp Harriers prefer to live reasonably close to water and have been known to visit large bird baths and frog ponds for a drink.
ReWild Benefits
Birds of prey help to control pest species within the ecosystem. Visit BirdLife Australia to learn more about our native birds of prey. If you have seen one in your neighbourhood or around the home you can record your sighting on Birdata and help scientists monitor their population.
