The Marsh Harriers are medium-sized raptors and the largest and broadest-winged harriers. Most of them are associated with marshland and dense reedbeds. They are commonly found worldwide except Americas. It likes open, wet environments, and is frequently seen drifting low over ricefields, interspersing long, watchful circling glides with two or three slow, powerful wingbeats.

Marsh Harriers hunts small mammals, insects and birds, surprising them as it drifts low over fields and reedbeds.