Northern harrier

Circus hudsonius

The northern harrier (Circus hudsonius), also known as the marsh hawk or ring-tailed hawk, is a bird of prey.

Family: Accipitridae Order: Accipitriformes Conservation: Least Concern
Northern harrier

About the Northern harrier

The northern harrier (Circus hudsonius), also known as the marsh hawk or ring-tailed hawk, is a bird of prey. It breeds throughout the northern parts of the Northern Hemisphere in Canada and the northernmost United States. The northern harrier migrates south in winter, with breeding birds in Canada and northern Great Plains of the U.S. moving to the American south, Mexico, and Central America. In the midwestern, mountain west, and north Atlantic states of the U.S., they may be present all year. This bird inhabits prairies, open areas, and marshes.

Fun Facts About Northern harrier

  • This bird inhabits prairies, open areas, and marshes.
  • The northern harrier migrates south in winter, with breeding birds in Canada and northern Great Plains of the U.S.
  • It breeds throughout the northern parts of the Northern Hemisphere in Canada and the northernmost United States.

Conservation Status

The Northern harrier is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. This species is currently stable and not at significant risk of population decline.

View on IUCN Red List →

Taxonomy & Classification

OrderAccipitriformes
FamilyAccipitridae
GenusCircus
SpeciesCircus hudsonius

Range & Habitat

Range map of Northern harrier

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Related Species

Other species in the Accipitridae family: