Editing Swamp harrier (section)

==Behaviour==
Common enemies of harriers are [[Australian magpie]]s, [[masked lapwing]]s which dive bomb and [[European starling]]s which mob individuals. They have been known to kill the young of [[New Zealand falcon]]s and have also been heavily blamed and persecuted for killing chickens, pheasants and ducklings. Swamp harriers are the only bird of prey used for falconry in New Zealand.<ref>{{cite web |title=Which Birds Of Prey Are Available To NZ Falconers? |url=https://www.wingspan.co.nz/falconry_falconer_requirements.html |website=wingspan.co.nz |access-date=19 March 2020}}</ref> The quarry is usually [[pūkeko]] and young rabbits.

===Diet===
The swamp harrier mainly feeds on ground birds and [[waterbird]]s, rabbits and other small mammals, [[reptile]]s, frogs, and fish. During the winter months harriers feed to a large extent on carrion, including [[roadkill]], frequently falling victim to vehicles themselves.{{Citation needed|date=October 2024}}

===Breeding===
This species nests on the ground, often in wetlands, on a mound in reeds or other dense vegetation. In some districts they nest in fields of oats or barley.<ref name="ReferenceA"/> The clutch size may range from two to seven, but is usually three or four. The [[Avian incubation|incubation]] period is 31 to 34 days, and is carried out by the female alone. Chicks are fed by both parents, are fully feathered by 28 days and [[fledging]] about 45 days after hatching.{{Citation needed|date=October 2024}}