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Eastern Marsh-Harrier (Circus
spilonotus)
Size 48-56 cm (19-22 in). It is the largest harrier with broad wings and
protruding head. This is a male
with dark upperparts with white fringes; head, neck and breast white with dark
streaks; belly white, tail
pale grey. Face shows broad blackish mask. Breeds throughout temperate
Asia east to Japan;
wintering south to South and South-East Asia to Sumatra. In Malaysia it is a
winter visitor
at low elevations south to Singapore. It is found in ricefields, inland
freshwater swamps
and open country. Flies low over open country with short flaps interspersed by
long
glides. Roost communally on the ground especially in harvested ricefields.