Field Guide for all the Birds of North America
Northern Harrier
Busard des marais
Circus hudsonius
Information, images and range maps on over 1,000 birds of North America, including sub-species, vagrants, introduced birds and possibilities
Species; The Northern Harrier (Circus hudsonius), once known as the "Marsh Hawk", it is the only harrier seen in North America. Easily recognized by its flying patterns, dihedral positioned wings, as it swoops and glides just over the tops of marshes and fields, falling upon their unsuspecting prey, unlike most raptors that dive from higher heights. It was given such a name for the fact, that the Northern Harrier breeds in the northern regions of Canada and the state of Alaska during the summer months.
Distinctions; Sexually dimorphic, whereas the male's plumage is a medium grey tone, mostly white underbody, with some rufous or orange streaks and markings on breast, long slender wings, with black wing tips. A very noticeable white rump patch (seen on all sexes). Female is larger than the male, brownish body, juvenile similar to female but more rufous-coloured than brown. All sexes have noticeable facial disk, most obvious on the male.
Voice; Both sexes vocal at times, somewhat similar to other raptors, sounding like ke, ke, ke, ke.
Nesting; Three to four bluish-white, brown spotted eggs, one brood per year. Builds its nest in marshes, meadows or hay fields, and the nest is built using branches, sticks and grasses.
Life, Habitat and Pictures of North American Harriers
| B L | W W | W | Family | Latin Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18" 45.7cm | 43" 109.2cm | 15oz 425.2g | Accipitridae | Circus hudsonius |
- Summer
- Year Around
- Winter
Distribution; Seen throughout the northern half of North America in the warmer months, breeds year-round through the central regions of the continent, spends its winters in the most southern US states, through all of Mexico and some Central American countries.
References to Other Bird Sites:
Avibase - the world bird database This site provides the user with a complete list of bird species, broken down per country, or in the example of the US or Canada, per state and province. Here, bird species names are available in other languages, a great asset to be used as a translation of foreign bird names.
ABA - American Birding Association This site represents an organization that maintains official records of all birds species that have been proven to have been seen inside the perimeters of the North American Continent and the surrounding bodies of water. Regular revised versions are posted to keep the bird list current at all times. This is the list used by all serious birders over their lifetime. You may be aware of the movie called the "Big Year". It was with this list that all the competing birders used in an attempt to set a new record as to how many bird species that could be seen by an individual birder in one calendar year.
I hope you will take advantage of these suggested websites. I have used each of them, in one way or another, throughout the years in my quest to better identify and understand our fine feathered friends.
