Eurasian Marsh Harrier

Circus aeruginosus 48-58cm

Setru Poonaiparundhu in Tamil (சேற்று பூனைப்பருந்து)

Widespread winter visitor. Broad winged and stocky. Glides and soars with wings in noticeable V. Male has pale head , brown mantle and upperwing coverts contrasting with grey secondaries/inner primaries; female mainly dark brown, except for cream on head and on leading edge of wing. Juvenile may be entirely dark. Reedbeds, marshes, lakes and coastal lagoons.