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Story: Birds of prey

Harrier adult and juvenile

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Harrier adult and juvenile

Adult harriers (top) are reddish brown and more strongly flecked than juveniles (bottom). In adults, the cere (area above the bill) is yellow. Males have bright yellow eyes, and females paler yellow. Juveniles are darker and have a white patch at the back of the head.

Using this item

Department of Conservation

Reference: 10031366/10028197

by Chris Smut-Kennedy and Rod Morris

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How to cite this page

Gerard Hutching, Birds of prey – Swamp harrier, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/9980/harrier-adult-and-juvenile (accessed 4 June 2026).

Story by Gerard Hutching, published 1 March 2009.