The Northern Harrier is often spotted gliding low over open fields and marshes. Distinguished by its long wings, white rump patch, and owl-like facial disk, this hawk relies on keen hearing and sharp vision to locate prey. Northern Harriers are partial migrants, with populations in northern regions like Canada and the northern U.S. migrating to warmer areas in the southern U.S., Mexico, and Central America during the winter. Interestingly, their nesting habits set them apart from many other hawks—they nest directly on the ground in dense vegetation, such as tall grasses or reeds, often in wetlands. The female constructs the nest, a sturdy platform of sticks lined with grasses, and takes on most of the incubation duties while the male may provide food. Keep an eye out for their distinctive, buoyant flight and their habit of quartering fields in search of prey!
