The Marsh Harrier is the largest of the UK's harriers and at first glance resembles a Buzzard or a Kite. The female is very dark and has a very pale head which makes her easily distinguishable. The male has distinctive brown white and black wings, similar to a Kite. This one appears to be a female, but could well be a juvenile, as they have similar markings to an adult female.
They often fly with their wings raised as in the first photo. In the spring the adults have a display flight, passing food between each other in mid air. Unlike Kites and Buzzards, Marsh Harriers do not have a call.
