The northern harrier, also known as the marsh hawk or ring-tailed hawk, is a bird of prey. It breeds throughout the northern parts of the Northern Hemisphere in Canada and the northernmost United States.
Region
North America
Typical Environment
Breeds across Alaska, Canada, and the northern United States in open wetlands, prairies, and tundra-like habitats. In winter it migrates south through much of the United States into Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. It favors large expanses of open country with low vegetation, including marshes, hayfields, and coastal grasslands. Ground-nesting sites are typically in dense sedges, grasses, or reed beds, often near wetlands. Winter roosts may be communal in grasslands and marsh edges.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2500 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the marsh hawk or ring-tailed hawk, the northern harrier hunts by flying low over open habitat with wings held in a shallow V. Its owl-like facial disk helps funnel sound to the ears, aiding it in locating prey hidden in vegetation. Males are pale gray and are often nicknamed the 'gray ghost', while females and juveniles are brown with streaking. A bold white rump patch is a key field mark visible in flight.
Juvenile flying at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, USA
Female in flight at the Llano Seco Unit of the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge Complex in California
Northern harrier male perched on shrub at Point Reyes National Seashore
Harrier hunting low to the ground. Southwick, MA
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
low coursing flight with buoyant, tilting glide and short rapid wingbeats; wings held in a shallow dihedral
Social Behavior
Breeds on the ground, with nests hidden in dense marsh or grass. Males may be polygynous, occasionally pairing with multiple females in a season; males provision the incubating female and chicks with prey. Outside the breeding season, multiple birds may roost communally in open fields or marshes.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Vocalizations are mostly sharp kek-kek calls, screams, and chatters used in territorial and courtship contexts. During display flights, males may give rapid, staccato calls. Overall, it is quieter than many other raptors and does not have a melodious song.
Plumage
Slim, long-tailed hawk with narrow wings; males are smooth gray above with whitish underparts, females and juveniles are brown with heavy streaking below. All ages show a prominent white rump patch and an owl-like facial disk. Juveniles often show warm rufous tones below.
Diet
Primarily hunts small mammals such as voles and mice, but also takes small birds, amphibians, reptiles, and large insects. It relies on a combination of acute hearing and vision to detect prey concealed in grass or reeds. Prey is often seized in sudden pounces after a low, weaving approach. Carrion is taken occasionally.
Preferred Environment
Open country including marshes, wet meadows, prairies, and agricultural fields. Often hunts along edges of wetlands and over extensive grasslands with low vegetation, avoiding dense forests.
