Common Name: Northern Harrier

Scientific Name: Circus cyaneus (Circus is from the Greek kirkos means ‘circle’ andcyaneus from the Greek kyaneous ‘dark blue’ which refers to the male’s back color). Harrier comes from the Old English 'hergian' meaning to harass by hostile attacks.   

Size: Length: 16-20in Wingspan: 38-48in
        Weight: Female: 531g (average) (1.2lb)
                     Male: 350g (average) (0.77lb)

Lifespan: They have an expected lifespan of 7 years in the wild and 20 years in captivity.

ID: Harriers are slim raptors with long wings. Male Northern Harriers have a grey head and back. The underwings are mostly white with black primaries. Females are brown birds with streaking on the chest that extends all the way down the belly. Juveniles when first fledge have a bright pumpkin color on chest.  After that wears away they resemble females, except that the streaking does not extend all the way to the belly but rather stops at the chest. All have a white upper tail covert patch (rump patch) that is distinctive. When viewed up close they have an owl like facial disk. 

Hunting: Harriers hunt by flying very low to the ground, listening and watching for prey. 

Prey: The males of this species mainly hunt birds, while the females hunt mammals. 

Breeding: Harriers nest on the ground in grass and agriculture lands. Females lay clutches of 3 to 6 eggs, which hatch after 29 to 31 days. The chicks fledge after 4 to 5-and-a-half weeks.

Range: They are partial migrators, and can be found all over North America.

Status: Harriers are listed in California as a species of special concern (2003 draft) and are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.