ExploreBird

Northern Harrier

Circus hudsonius

The Northern Harrier is a graceful bird of prey that flies low over fields and marshes. With its long wings and a distinctive white patch on its tail, it hunts for small animals like mice and birds.

Habitat: Wetlands

Appearance

The Northern Harrier has a distinct owl-like facial disk and a prominent white patch on its rump, visible in flight. Males are pale gray above with white undersides, while females are streaky brown with a buff underside.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderAccipitriformesFamilyAccipitridaeGenusCircus

Northern Harrier

Interesting facts

A bright white patch above its tail helps identify them in flight!

Males hunt for multiple females, sometimes feeding two or three nests at once!

Their nests are built right on the ground, cleverly hidden in dense marsh plants.

They often 'kite' into the wind, hovering almost perfectly still while hunting.

Special abilities

Northern Harrier can locate prey hidden under vegetation by sound alone, using its unique owl-like facial disk.

Northern Harrier has a distinctive low, rocking flight that helps them surprise small mammals and birds in tall grasses.

Measurements & details

Length: 43-50 cm
Wingspan: 99-120 cm
Weight: 0.3-0.6 kg
Lifespan: 6-16 years
Top Speed: 50 km/h
Clutch Size: 4-8
Incubation: 28-36 days
Migration Distance: 4000 km

Diet & Feeding

A swift hunter, the Northern Harrier mostly eats small mammals and birds they snatch from the ground.

Primary Foods

voles
mice
shrews
sparrows
frogs
insects

Foraging Method

Pursuit

Ecological connections

hunts

Meadow Vole

Microtus pennsylvanicus

Main food source in grasslands.

hunts

Masked Shrew

Sorex cinereus

Common prey in dense vegetation.

eaten by

Great Horned Owl

Bubo virginianus

Preys on harrier nestlings and adults.

eaten by

Red Fox

Vulpes vulpes

Raids nests for eggs and young.

Traits

Feathered

These are animals covered in soft, beautiful feathers that help them fly, stay warm, and even attract mates! Think of all the amazing birds you know.

Solitary

Meet animals that enjoy their independence! These creatures prefer to live by themselves, finding food and shelter on their own.

Ambush Predator

Meet masters of surprise! These clever hunters hide quietly and wait patiently for their prey to come close before pouncing with a quick move.

Wetland

These fascinating areas are covered by water for at least part of the year, creating a perfect home for unique plants and animals, like marshes and swamps.

Carnivorous

Discover fierce hunters and clever predators that get all their energy from eating other animals. They play a vital role in keeping nature's balance.

Diurnal

Wake up with creatures that are most active during the day! They love the sunshine for finding food, playing, and exploring.

Keystone Species

Discover the hidden heroes of nature! These special species play an incredibly important role in their habitat, holding the entire ecosystem together like a crucial piece of a puzzle.

Migratory

Follow incredible journeys across the world! These animals travel far and wide at different times of the year, often to find better food or warmer places.