Scientific Name: Circus spilonotus
Malay Name: Helang-Sawah Biasa
Chinese Name: 白腹鹞
Range:
Found from eastern Siberia, north-eastern China to northern Japan and winters to the Indian subcontinent, southern China, southern Japan, Korea and Southeast Asia
Taxonomy:
Monotypic
Size: 48-56 cm
Identification: Male resembles Pied Harrier but has black streaks on neck and breast and lacks large white patches on upperwing-coverts. Female resembles Pied Harrier but has dull rufous belly and thigh. Juvenile also resembles Pied Harrier but has darker brown body and pale head.
Similar looking species: Pied Harrier
Habitat: Open country, reclaimed land, grasslands and marshes.
Behaviour/Ecology: Usually flies low over open country with short flaps interspersed by long glides.
Local Status: Uncommon migrant
Conservation Status: Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)
Location: Recent sightings were at Changi reclaimed land, Tanah Merah grassland, Kranji Marsh and Henderson Waves Bridge.
Photos:
External Links:
Conservation Status: IUCN Red List Page
Photos: Oriental Bird Images
Sound Recordings: xeno-canto Link
Wikipedia Entry: Wikipedia Link
Reference:
Craig Robson (2011) A Field Guide to the Birds of South-East Asia
Allen Jeyarajasingam & Alan Pearson (2012) A Field Guide to the Birds of Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore