Eastern Marsh Harrier (1st Plumage)

Was running around the ricefield recently hoping for some aquila eagle to get the earliest date. Nevertheless saw one harrier in distance. It was an Eastern Marsh Harrier juvenile. This plumage 1st-2nd year was easily confuse to the Western Marsh Harrier. The little differences in the ear area make the entire different species See how the ear patch did not extend to eye and also the shape of the half moon. This difference is so minor but important to differentiate both species. 

A part from this this marking is also good to assist us to determine hybrid (eastern x western) where is rather rare in Peninsula Malaysia. Known by only one variation closely resemble both species but full confirmation was never achieve.

In term of aging after some discussion, we agree there was no moulting on this individual showing no difference in feather of new and worn. Making this the 1st year bird. Hatch this year and new and young. 

In addition, the usage of moult is very tough in harrier perhaps not every team would find it hard but at least to me. Determining age of harrier is still very challenging work for me no doubt with year of work and field trip have been done. Still this one does make our life easier a bit rather then some other harrier individual.

Eastern Marsh Harrier
(Photo by Terence Ang)

Eastern Marsh Harrier
(Photo by Terence Ang)