General

Northern Harrier: Large hawk with gray upperparts, distinct white rump, and white underparts with spotted breast. Eyes are yellow. Wings are long, gray above, and white below with black tips. Female is larger, brown overall, with white rump and underwing stripes. Juveniles resemble adult female but are cinnamon below. Commonly seen gliding low in search of prey.

Range and Habitat

Northern Harrier: Breeds from Alaska to the northern U.S. Spends winters from the southern U.S. to Central America. Preferred habitats include open fields, savannas, meadows, and marshes.

Breeding and Nesting

Northern Harrier: Three to nine pale blue eggs, sometimes spotted with brown, are laid in a ground nest made of sticks and lined with grass, usually built on a raised mound of dirt or a clump of vegetation; often nests in loose colonies of 15 to 20 pairs. Incubation ranges from 31 to 32 days and is carried out by the female.

Foraging and Feeding

Northern Harrier: Eats mostly mice, but also takes insects and small reptiles. Glides close to ground when hunting, diving down quickly to capture prey.

Vocalization

Northern Harrier: Emits a shrill call of "kek, kek, kek" or "keee, keee, keee", especially around the nest.

Similar Species

Northern Harrier: Rough-legged Hawk has broader wings and black subterminal tail band.