First record for the Maltese Islands of the dark morph Marsh harrier Circus aeruginosus

Abstract

On the morning of 22 October 1998 whilst bird watching at Qawra, we observed a raptor coming in low over the sea. The first general impression was that of a dark brown raptor with two white patches at the base of the primaries not unlike the markings of a juvenile Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos. Upon closer inspection we noticed that it was a Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus with unusual plumage. From above it was uniform dark brown with a pale grey tail. The underwings were also all very dark brown with a wide dark trailing edge and with white bases to primaries and secondaries. The body was also completely dark brown, the same colour of the wings except for the pale grey tail. The head was also completely dark and without any markings.