Birda Logo
Features
Birda+
About
Species Guide
Challenges
Shop
loading...
A photo of a Northern Harrier (Circus hudsonius), male
Northern Harrier, Male

Northern Harrier

Circus hudsonius

The Northern Harrier, known scientifically as Circus hudsonius and colloquially as the marsh hawk or ring-tailed hawk, is a captivating bird of prey. It is distinguished by its sexual dimorphism, with males and females sporting markedly different plumages. The male Northern Harrier, sometimes referred to as the "Grey Ghost" for its ethereal appearance, is cloaked in shades of darker grey, while the female is adorned in darker and more rufous tones. This raptor is notable for its elongated wings and tail, which are proportionally the longest of any North American raptor relative to its body size.

Identification Tips

Adult males are characterized by their slate-grey plumage and can be identified by their ghostly aura as they glide through the air. Females and juveniles are browner with a streaked breast and a conspicuous white rump patch that is visible in flight. When observing these birds, look for their distinctive flight pattern, with wings held in a shallow V and a buoyant, gliding motion.

Habitat

The Northern Harrier favors open landscapes where it can soar low to the ground. Its preferred habitats include prairies, marshes, grasslands, and other open areas that provide ample hunting grounds.

Distribution

Breeding across the northern reaches of the Northern Hemisphere, this species can be found in Canada and the northernmost United States. Come winter, the Northern Harrier migrates to the American South, Mexico, and Central America, although some populations may remain year-round in the midwestern, mountain west, and north Atlantic states of the U.S.

Behaviour

This raptor is known for its polygynous mating system, where one male may mate with several females. The male defends a territory that can vary greatly in size, and the nesting site is typically on the ground or atop a mound of vegetation. The Northern Harrier is a solitary hunter, employing its acute hearing and low, contour-hugging flight to surprise prey.

Song & Calls

The female Northern Harrier emits a whistled "piih-eh" when receiving food from the male, and her alarm call is a rapid "chit-it-it-it-it-et-it." The male's call is a "chek-chek-chek," which becomes a rhythmic "chuk-uk-uk-uk" during his display flight.

Breeding

Nests are constructed on the ground or mounds, using sticks and lined with grass and leaves. Clutches typically consist of four to eight whitish eggs, which are incubated primarily by the female for about a month. The male provides food during this period and continues to assist with feeding the chicks post-hatching.

Similar Species

The Northern Harrier can be confused with other harrier species, but its long wings and tail, as well as its unique flight pattern and sexual dimorphism, usually allow for accurate identification.

Diet and Feeding

A proficient hunter, the Northern Harrier primarily preys on small mammals like voles and ground squirrels, but will also take birds, amphibians, reptiles, and insects. It occasionally hunts bats and can overpower larger prey such as rabbits and adult ducks.

Conservation status

The Northern Harrier is classified as "Least Concern" by the IUCN, with a large range and a population that is not believed to be declining at a rate that would trigger conservation alarms.

Relationship with Humans

Historically, the Northern Harrier has been viewed favorably by farmers for its role in controlling rodent populations and protecting crops. However, heavy pesticide use in the past has led to declines in harrier populations. Some Native American tribes hold the belief that sighting a hawk on one's wedding day heralds a long and happy marriage.

App logo
Birda is a birdwatching app and community aimed at curious people who want to deepen their connection with nature.

Northern Harrier Fun Facts

Did you know?
Northern Harrier fossils have been found in northern Mexico that date from 11,000-40,000 years ago.
Did you know?
Male Northern Harrier can have up to five mates at once.

Northern Harriers on Birda

Sightings

More Kites, Hawks, Eagles

Birda Logo

Your birdwatching journey like never before

Connect with nature in minutes
Take a walk, look out of the window and log the birds that you see. Feel good about those little connections to nature.
Discover the joy of birding
Find new birding spots, see more birds, share and celebrate with a like-minded community of nature lovers.
Play your part in saving nature
Logging your birding sightings and sessions turns into positive action for our planet. Every sighting counts.

Birda Blog

What Our Birders Say
Robred 2
Fun way to add to your birdwatching experience
I enjoy watching birds in my backyard, but this app helped me really pay attention while on vacation this summer. It was fun to add new birds to my bird watching app.
Dunners12345
Great App
Great app to use for logging and communicating with others who are interested in birds
Pdydhdrexgi
Fantastic App
This is a really lovely app, for everyone interested in birds - from newbies to old hands. There is a very friendly feel to the community and you will genuinely learn a lot as you record your sightings and photos. There are lots of badges and competitions to keep you engaged, and a host of really useful features.
Anonymous
The best bird logging app
Birda is honestly the best bird logging app I have seen. I love all the features it has from being able to do a session and log all the birds you see in one sitting, to being able to connect with other birders from all over the globe!
JCBirding
Just what birding needs
We need more fun in birding, for years it has had a reputation for being up tight and stuffy and only perused by retirees and anoraks. Birda helps change that perception and firmly brings birding into the 21st century! Fun, interactive while still contributing to science and conservation. If you aren’t on it, why not??
778
Great bird recording
For a while I’ve been trying to find an app to easily record bird lists and day out and struggled to find one that I like. Birda is great for this, straightforward and a great community!
SuperOliviaGirl
Really great app
It’s easy to use and it’s fun to log the birds you notice on a walk or just in your garden. There’s a option to record the birds you see in a session which is really nice. Good excuse to stop for a while and just watch birds. I am also enjoying the information part where you can find out fact about birds from all over the world.
Dan R
Great app for bird fanatics
Great app for bird fanatics - very user friendly and a perfect place to share sightings.
Stewart W
Fantastic to be involved
Fantastic to be involved, great for mental health and gets you responding with the Challenges that are to takd part in.
Abi.M
Awesome App
I really enjoy using this app! It is such a friendly community of bird-lovers who are happy to help if I need ID advice. It’s been great motivation to get outdoors and go birding more! 10/10 😍😍
As featured in
Birda Logo
AboutPressAmbassadorsAffiliatesInfluencersCareersPrivacyTerms & Conditions
An app for birdwatchers
Connect with us
Copyright © 2024 Chirp Birding. All rights reserved.