Northern Harrier

43-61 cm (17-24") Fairly common and widespread. Marshes, grasslands, prairies, fields.

Slim crow-sized hawk; owl-like face; long tail; prominent white rump. Glides, tilting low over ground on long upraised wings held in a shallow V; may hover.

Male: gray above; white below; black wing tips.

Female: brown above; streaked brown below.

Immature: brown above; rich cinnamon below with streaking only on breast.

Song: whistle "pee,pee,pee".

Videos

Images

Credit: Peter Baer

Credit: Dan Dzurisin

Credit: Kenneth Cole Schneider

Credit: Tom Talbott

Credit: Rick Leche

Distribution Maps

Northern Harrier winter distribution map

Northern Harrier distribution map