Marsh Harrier
Circus aeruginosus
Overview
Marsh Harriers were virtually extinct in the UK by the 1970s — fewer than five breeding females remained. Recovery has been remarkable and the Sefton Coast has been part of that story. They breed in or near Marshside RSPB and can be seen regularly in spring and summer quartering the reed beds in that characteristic low, buoyant flight with wings held in a shallow V. Males are grey and chestnut; females are chocolate brown with a cream crown. Seeing a food pass — the male dropping prey to the female in flight — is spectacular.
At a Glance
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Habitat | Reed bed · Coastal marsh · Lagoon edge |
| Diet | Small mammals, birds, frogs, large insects |
| UK population | Around 400 breeding females in the UK — recovered from near-extinction in the 1970s |
| Sefton Coast | Breeding pair(s) at or near Marshside; regular year-round sightings |
| Conservation | UK Green List |
Where to See It
Marshside RSPB — quartering low over the reed beds and lagoon edges. Best in early morning.
Identification
Large, broad-winged raptor. Males grey with chestnut body and black wingtips. Females dark brown with cream crown and throat. Glides with wings in shallow V.
Viewing & Photography Tips
Early morning in spring and summer. Watch from the RSPB car park along Marshside Road. They often work the lagoon edges systematically.
Conservation Status
UK Green List
This species is on the UK Green List, indicating a healthy population status in the UK context. It remains an important component of Sefton Coast biodiversity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Marsh Harriers breed at Marshside RSPB?
Yes. Marsh Harriers breed at or very close to Marshside RSPB and are a regular sight throughout spring and summer. The best views are from the Marshside Road bank early in the morning, watching birds quarter the reed bed margins.
How did the Marsh Harrier recover in the UK?
By the early 1970s, Marsh Harriers were almost extinct in the UK with just a handful of breeding females remaining in East Anglia. The ban on organochlorine pesticides and improved habitat management allowed recovery — there are now around 400 breeding females.
Related Species
Plan your visit to the Sefton Coast
Marshside RSPB, Formby pinewoods, Ainsdale NNR — practical guides to getting there, what to bring, and the best spots for each season.