Northern Harrier

Northern Harrier hunting
The Northern harrier frequents American Camps open prairies, on the hunt for small mammals. They are distinctive for the broad white patch above their tail feathers.

Rebecca Smith

 

You’ll see these slender, long-winged raptors gliding low over the prairie like kites, patrolling for voles and other small mammals, frogs, reptiles, and insects.

They may hover briefly with quick, short wingbeats, then dive quickly to surprise their prey. You can’t miss them: they have a broad white patch on their rump.

If you’re close enough, you may see their round, owl-like faces. But don’t get too close. Protective females will repeatedly dive at any person or bird approaching too close to a nest.

 
Fast facts Northern harrier

Last updated: March 30, 2015

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P.O. Box 429
Friday Harbor, WA 98250

Phone:

360 378-2240

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