Hen Harrier

General Description

Formerly known as the Marsh Hawk, the Northern Harrier is a slender, medium-sized raptor with a long, barred tail and distinctive white rump. It has an owl-like facial disk that is visible at close range. Harriers are unusual in that there is a greater difference between male and female plumage than is typical of raptors. Females are brown above with varying degrees of brown and buff streaking below. Males are gray above with an unmarked lighter color below; they also have black wingtips. Juveniles are brown above and plain orange-brown below. In Eurasia, this bird is known as the 'Hen Harrier.'

Northern Harriers are Fairly Common in Western Washington from September-April Uncommon May-August.

Habitat

Northern Harriers are open-country birds, often seen soaring low over grassland. They also occur in farmlands, parks, and steppe habitat.

Behavior

During winter, Northern Harriers sometimes roost on the ground in groups. Harriers use their sense of hearing more than other hawks, flying low over open fields and listening for prey. In flight, they hold their wings up in a slight 'V' position.

Juvenile 

Female

Male