Northern Harrier

Northern Harriers are also commonly known as Marsh Hawks because they fly low and slow over marshes and grasslands searching for prey. Northern Harriers are more slim in appearance when compared to other raptors, with long wings and a long tail. Male Northern Harriers have gray backs and white undersides, while females and juveniles are usually brown (to blend in with their surroundings) with a white underside. Their weight ranges from about ½ pound to 1.5 pounds, with the females being larger than males. A characteristic that distinguishes Northern Harriers from other hawks is an owl-like appearance to their face; that shape enhances their hearing which they use to locate and hunt their prey. The diet of Northern Harriers will vary by seasonal availability, with the bulk of their diet consisting of rodents and other small mammals while birds, lizards, insects, and carrion might also be included.