Swamp Harrier

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25 inches. Male and female identical in appearance but the female is larger than the male. This is the only diurnal raptor introduced in Polynesia. It is a brown bird, large-scale, often glides at high altitude. Its beak is strong and curved downward. The plumage presents various shades of brown and is variable according to the individuals. The iris and legs are light yellow. First winter juveniles have brown irises, dark brown plumage with a white patch on the nape of the neck. As they get older, the color of their iris and plumage fades.

Order: Falconiformes

Family: Accipitridae

Category: Introduced Birds

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Native from New Zealand, it was introduced in Tahiti in 1885 by the German Consul with the intent to limit the number of rats. From this island, he joined the other islands without human intervention for the greater misfortune of their endemic avifauna. Present in Maupiti, Bora Bora, Tupai, Raiatea and Tahaa, Huahine, Moorea, Tetiaroa. In Rapa, an introduced couple was killed a few months after his arrival.

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Common species in the Australasian region, the Swamp Harrier is suspected of being behind the disappearance of imperial pigeons Ducula in all Pacific islands where it was introduced. In Tahiti, the Swamp Harrier is probably responsible for the near extinction of the rupe (D. aurorae). He was seen capturing Tahiti Reed-warblers (A. caffer, species in danger of extinction) and causes alarm calls from the Tahiti Monarchs (Pomarea nigra species critically endangered). Endemic birds of the islands have evolved in environments free of predators, they have not developed during their evolution techniques to escape. They are often easy prey. Lorikeets (Vini sp.), Reed-warblers (Acrocephalus sp.), Swiftlets (Aerodramus sp.) and Fruit-doves (Ptilinopus sp.) are probably also its victims. Without his presence rodents could spread around islands: this argument is often the cause of its introduction. It could permanently eradicates the last surviving imperial pigeons on Nuku Hiva and Makatea (Ducula galeata and D. aurorae) or the magnificent Ultramarine Lorikeet and Rimatara Lorikeet (Vini ultramarina and V. kuhlii).

Its presence in these archipelagos or islands must be reported as soon as possible to the Direction of the Environment or to the SOP. The species was classified harmful in French Polynesia (see l’arrêté N°1301/CM du 15 novembre 2006), its destruction is permitted and desirable. The species is on the list of species threatening biodiversity through territorial regulatory French Polynesia.
It is classified as “Least Concern” (LC) on the IUCN Red List.