: The Agile Hunter of the Skies
The Northern Harrier, also known as Marsh Hawk or Hen Harrier, is a bird of prey that can be found across North America, Europe, and Asia. It is a medium-sized raptor with distinct plumage and behavior that sets it apart from other hawks.
Basic Description
Northern Harriers have a wingspan of about 40-48 inches and weigh around 14-22 ounces. They have an owl-like facial disk with distinctive white patches on their rump and underwings. Male harriers are gray above with white undersides while females are brown above with streaked undersides. Both sexes have long tails that have horizontal stripes near the tips.
Where To Find This Bird
Northern Harriers prefer open grasslands, meadows, marshes, and wetlands where they can hunt for rodents like voles and mice which make up most of their diet. During breeding season in North America (March to July), they can be found in northern states such as Alaska down to southern states like California or Texas. In winter months they migrate southwards from Canada towards Central America.
Habitat
Their habitat needs include large areas of low vegetation for hunting since they fly low over fields looking for prey items on the ground rather than soaring high in thermals like other birds of prey do.
Food
As mentioned before Northern harriers primarily feed on small mammals but will also eat birds if available during migration times when there might not be enough food sources present due to weather conditions or lack thereof.
Cool Facts:
1) Their unique flight style is characterized by slow gliding combined with rapid wing flapping as well as hovering motionless before swooping down onto unsuspecting prey.
2) Unlike many other species within its family group Accipitridae who use talons to kill their prey items after making contact mid-flight; this hawk relies solely upon its powerful bill to dispatch prey items.
3) Northern Harriers have ears located on the sides of their heads that help them hear rodents scurrying in tall grasses or under snow.
4) In some cultures, the sight of a Northern Harrier flying low over fields was believed to bring good luck and fertility.
In conclusion, The Northern Harrier is an agile hunter of the skies that plays an important role in controlling rodent populations across its range. Its distinctive plumage and behavior make it a fascinating bird to observe in the wild. Next time you’re out exploring open grasslands or wetlands keep your eyes peeled for this unique raptor!
