Northern Harrier - Master Hunter by Keven Colbert The Northern Harrier is a slim, graceful raptor (bird of prey) with long pointed wings, long tail, and white rump. Males have a gray back, head, and breast, while the females and young are brown above and streaked below. Harriers can be identified on the prairie by their low cruising flight that is interrupted by pull-ups, wingovers, and drop-pounces in pursuit of mouse, songbird, snake, frog or other prey. They are known for their "surprise" attacks, sneaking up on prey by flying close to the ground. This raptor is also thought to have keener hearing than other hawks. Their disk-shaped faces, like those of owls, are believed to be able to amplify sound.

Image of Northern Harrier used with permission of photographer, Manuel Grosselet. See more of his images.