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Northern Harrier Identification

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The Four Keys to ID

  • Size & Shape

    Northern Harriers are slender, medium-sized raptors with long, fairly broad wings and a long, rounded tail. They have a flat, owl-like face and a small, sharply hooked bill. Harriers often fly with their wings held in a dihedral, or V-shape above the horizontal.

    Relative Size

    Smaller than a Red-tailed Hawk; larger than a Sharp-shinned Hawk.

    Relative Sizebetween crow and goosebetween crow and goose

    Measurements
    • Both Sexes
      • Length: 18.1-19.7 in (46-50 cm)
      • Weight: 10.6-26.5 oz (300-750 g)
      • Wingspan: 40.2-46.5 in (102-118 cm)