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Northern Harrier
Birds diurnal

Northern Harrier

Circus hudsonius

The 'Grey Ghost' of the grasslands, the Northern Harrier is a master of low-altitude acrobatics. With its distinctive owl-like face and striking white rump, this hawk is a captivating sight for any backyard observer with a view of the open fields.

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Quick Identification

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Size

Length: 41-50 cm (16-20 in); Wingspan: 97-122 cm (38-48 in); Weight: 300-600g (10.6-21.2 oz)

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Colors

Males are distinctive 'Grey Ghosts' with pale grey backs and white bellies; females and juveniles are streaked brown. All have a brilliant white rump patch.

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Key Features

  • Bright white patch on the upper rump
  • Owl-like facial disk for acoustic hunting
  • Long, narrow wings held in a 'V' or dihedral shape
  • Slender tail with dark banding

When You’ll See Them

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Activity pattern diurnal
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Peak hours 8-11 AM and 3 PM to sunset
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Season Year-round, with increased visibility in winter across the southern US as northern populations migrate.
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Diet Primarily small mammals like voles and mice, but will also take small birds, reptiles, and large insects using a low-altitude 'surprise' pounce strategy.
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Habitat Open grasslands, salt marshes, wet meadows, and wide-open agricultural fields.

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Behavior

The Northern Harrier is a unique raptor known for its 'buoyant' flight style. Unlike many hawks that soar at high altitudes, the Harrier hugs the ground, gliding just a few feet above tall grasses and marshes. It uses a combination of sharp vision and an owl-like facial disk to locate prey by sound, allowing it to strike rodents hidden deep within the brush.

These birds are highly territorial during the breeding season and are famous for their elaborate 'sky-dancing' courtship displays, where males perform dizzying loops and rolls to impress females. They are one of the few raptor species in North America that nests on the ground, usually hidden within dense vegetation or reeds to protect their young from land-based predators.

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Camera Tips

To capture the Northern Harrier on camera, you must think low. Because these birds hunt by skimming just above the vegetation, a camera mounted high in a tree will likely miss them or only capture the tops of their wings. Instead, mount your camera on a fence post or a sturdy garden stake about 3 to 4 feet off the ground, angled slightly upward to capture the bird as it glides past. If you have a large meadow or an open field, placing the camera at the edge where the grass meets a clearing is your best bet.

Since Harriers are sensitive to movement and noise, a camera with a 'No-Glow' or 'Black Flash' infrared system is essential for capturing natural behavior without startling them. Set your camera to 'Burst Mode' or high-speed video. Harriers move quickly and erratically when they detect prey, so a single still photo often results in a blurred wing or a missed tail. A 3-5 second video clip or a 3-photo burst increases your chances of getting that iconic shot of their white rump patch or facial disk.

Timing is everything with this species. They are most active during the 'golden hours' of early morning and late afternoon when rodents are moving but there is still enough light for the Harrier to hunt. In the winter, look for them over snow-covered fields where their dark brown or grey feathers provide a striking contrast. You don't need bait for these birds—they are attracted to high concentrations of voles. If you have a 'wild' corner of your property with tall, uncut grass, that is where the Harrier will spend most of its time patrolling.

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Northern Harrier.

Cooper's Hawk

Smaller with shorter, rounded wings and lacks the white rump patch; typically found in wooded areas rather than open marshes.

Rough-legged Hawk

A winter visitor that also hunts in open fields but is much bulkier and lacks the distinctive owl-like face disk.

Short-eared Owl

Often hunts the same fields at dusk; has a similar facial disk but blunter wings and a different, more moth-like flight pattern.

Frequently Asked Questions

Northern Harriers are diurnal hunters, most active from shortly after sunrise until mid-morning, and again in the late afternoon before sunset. They are known to hunt even in low-light conditions thanks to their exceptional hearing.
You cannot easily attract them with feeders, but you can make your land a hunting ground by leaving large sections of grass unmowed. Tall grass provides habitat for the voles and mice that Harriers depend on for food.
Their diet consists mainly of small rodents, particularly voles. They also eat small songbirds, frogs, and large insects. They are unique among hawks for using their ears to locate prey hidden in tall grass.
They are less common in dense suburbs but are frequently seen in 'exurban' areas, rural neighborhoods, or suburban homes that border large parks, marshes, or agricultural fields.
Look at the flight style and the rump. A Northern Harrier glides low with its wings in a 'V' shape and shows a bright white patch at the base of its tail. A Cooper's Hawk usually flies higher with a 'flap-flap-glide' pattern and lacks the white rump patch.

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