Harrier hawks have the longest wing and tail relative to their body size compared to any other raptor in North America
This majestic predator is known as a harrier hawk. There are 16 species within the genus. This particular harrier hawk is called a northern harrier hawk. It is sometimes referred to as the “marsh hawk” or “ring-tailed hawk”. Both of these common names are accurate. As you can see in this photo, this harrier is resting in a marsh. If it were to take off, it would be evident how the ring-tail name got started. At the base of their tail, harriers have a white band that helps make them easy to identify.
These medium sized prey birds are around 20 inches long with a wingspan maxing out at about four feet. Their size corresponds with their sex. Female northern harriers are larger, averaging ~19 ounces, while males average ~12 ounces. Their wing shape is similar to other hawks, with broad wings and a sizable tail (rounded at the end). They are said to be slightly smaller than a red-tailed hawk. However, harriers are known to have the longest wing and tail relative to their body size compared to any other raptor in North America!
Due to their wide range and diurnal nature, these birds can be found if you know where to look. Their range extends all the way to the arctic, for breeding purposes. Other times of the year, they can be found in lower latitudes throughout the United States. These hawks like to hunt the open fields and grasslands. In these areas, you will see the harrier’s get low to the ground scouring for prey. They tend to fly with their wings in a “V” position. I noticed this harrier doing that when I saw it at Salisbury Beach State Park in Massachusetts. The open coastal marshland is a prime habitat for them. The males tend to have a territory of about a square mile, although some territories have been found to be much larger. Northern harriers are one of the few raptor species that are polygynous. The males will mate with multiple females (up to five in a season).
The harriers build their nests on the open ground, generally a stick made nest that sits on a dirt mound. Females will lay four to eight eggs, which they will incubate for roughly a month. During this time, the female stays with the eggs while the male harrier hunts and brings back food to the family. Interestingly, the male harrier passes his catch to the female, who then proceeds to feed the chicks. These young harriers are not capable of breeding for at least two years (at least three years for males).
The harriers build their nests on the open ground
Although these birds are clearly predators, they also have predators of their own
Although these birds are clearly predators, they also have predators of their own, at least while they are young and vulnerable to ground predation like foxes, raccoons, and skunks. In addition, predators from the air can prey upon young harriers, particularly crows, ravens, and owls.
If you have ever been to the beach, you have seen seagulls harass each other in an effort to make the other drop their catch. Once this happens, the others rush in to steal the food. This behavior known as kleptoparasitism, or as I call it “bird bullying”. This trait is something that has been observed between harriers and owls.
Did You Know?
- Harriers can hear well, unlike most hawks! Harriers will fly in circles over a hunting ground listening for movements, in the same way an owl will. Note how the harrier has an owl-like facial development.
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