Northern Harrier Hawk: Fun Facts

The northern harrier hawk is the only harrier hawk in the United States and migrates every year between Canada and the U.S. They have an owl-like face and excellent hearing. Males are very territorial and typically guard around a square mile radius. In fact, the territorial instinct is so strong a harrier will harass a bald eagle that is nearby. Northern harriers live throughout North America, wintering in the south and breeding in the north. There are other species of harriers in Europe and Africa. The northern harrier lives in open areas where it can easily spot its prey. They fly low to the ground and often hold their wings in a v-shape. They weave back and forth over the ground listening for small mammals and birds. Named after the northern harrier hawk, the harrier jump jet fighter bomber was used to support ground forces during the 60s and 70s. Harriers rely more on hearing than sight. Unlike many other birds of prey, one reason they fly closer to the ground. Boop that like button if this is helpful information and check out the community tab on my YouTube page to vote on what videos you would like to see. Harriers often prey on other birds including sparrows, larks, and waterfowl. They have been known to drown their prey in water. Harriers are aggressive hunters and will attack birds in flight. This one is flushing starlings. Harriers cough up pellets similar to owls. These contain the parts of the prey that are non-digestible such as feathers or bones. Pellets allow scientists to see what birds of prey eat. Harriers also prey on ground mammals such as voles, mice, and rabbits. Those that live around marshlands will feed more on frogs and snakes. In southern areas, harriers have been observed hunting bats. Females have lighter undersides than males and are larger, weighing up to two pounds with a wingspan of three and a half feet. Both males and females can be identified by the white butt band of feathers at the base of the tail. Males do elaborate dance and fly around courting females. Harriers are one of the few hawk species to practice polygyny. The male may mate with several females. They do not mate for life like some birds of prey. Harriers nest on the ground in fields, prairies, and wetlands. The males will help build the nests. The nests are made of sticks to form a platform and then lined with grass. Females will often nest in close proximity to each other. The female lays four to five eggs which hatch after 32 days. The male will bring food to the female and may help feed the chicks. However, he does not stick around for long. Chicks in the nest are vulnerable to predators such as raccoons, badgers, foxes, and even other birds of prey. In urban areas, outdoor dogs and cats are often predators of chicks. The chicks fledge are ready to start flying around 36 days old. The female continues to bring food to the nest for another two weeks. The young will learn to hunt by pouncing on vegetation. As juveniles, they often prey on insects such as grasshoppers which are easier to catch. Siblings often band together after they leave the nest. Harriers don't reach sexual maturity until two years in females and three years in males. In many Native American cultures, it is considered a good omen to see a hawk on your wedding day or before the birth of a child. Harriers are one of the few hawks liked by farmers. They help keep rodents out of cornfields and they do not prey on chickens. Harriers have a large range and are a species of the least concern under the IUCN. However, tracking studies show this species to be in decline mostly due to land development and the draining of wetlands for subdivisions. Check out my video on the red-tailed hawk to learn more about birds of prey. Please subscribe to my channel to support us as we make informative videos on wildlife and organic gardening. Thanks for watching and have a fabulous day!