Could a Marsh Harrier take a Spoonbill?

[Bobolink44]

http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/DD/10401/Weymouth+-+Sun+and+Swallows.html
I assume not...

[Kenwin5]

http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/DD/10401/Weymouth+-+Sun+and+Swallows.html
I assume not...
Don't know about a Spoonbill. I doubt it. I saw a marsh harrier have a serious attempt at a little egret a few weeks ago; wasn't ready with my camera unfortunately. The harrier took it totally by surprise, coming at him from over a bank, but all that happened was a lot of noise and flapping and both birds flew off unscathed.

[MichaelF]

Maybe mobbing it? Or just playing?

[Tom McKinney]

In India at Bharatpur I once saw a Marsh Harrier attack a Spoonbill and try to take it away. A pretty nasty battle followed, but the Harrier eventually called it a day and left the Spoonbill alone. The Spoonbill was left in a pretty dire state and covered in blood, though its injuries might have looked a lot worse than they actually were.

[Bobolink44]

Wow, they really are vicious buggers then. I thought a large rat was the max size of prey they would go for.

[Colin Key]

Interesting, since I have seen "interaction" between Marsh Harriers and egrets/herons in the past few days.

A roaming Marsh Harrier will normally "put up" all the birds on my marsh, but is usually only interested in actually catching rodents, or, very occasionally, small waders or passerines (which is usually an unsuccessful pursuit).

A Marsh Harrier would be most unlikely to kill a Spoonbill (it would just fly away). In a contest with a sharp-billed egret or heron (which are voracious fighters) a harrier would have no chance whatsoever.

They much prefer four-legged, furry little "snacks" or amphibians (the one I watched today was taking frogs).

Colin

[Michael T]

according to Benny GénsbØl in "Collins Birds of Prey" guide, biggest bird species taken are coots,rail and gulls! havn't been on forum since christmas(Problems with teeth!), its good to be back!