Birds of North America Home Page

BIRDING INFORMATION Bird Songs and Calls Bird Range Map

BIRDS BY COLOR Black Birds Blue Birds Brown Birds Gray Birds Green Birds Orange Birds Red Birds Yellow Birds

TYPES OF BIRD GROUPS Birds Of Prey Exotic Birds Field And Stream Forest Birds Game Birds Hummingbirds Marsh Birds Seabirds Shorebirds Wading Birds Waterfowl

BIRDS BY LOCATION Birds Of Canada Birds Of USA

TERMINOLOGY Bird Terminology

CONCERNED BIRD GROUPS Extinct Birds Endangered Birds Threatened Birds

BIRD TOPICS Attracting Birds Bird Books Bird Feeders Birder's Code Of Ethics

OTHER TOPICS Links Contact CCNAB Site Build It! reviews

Field Guide for all the Birds of North America

Harriers

Busard

Curcus

Information, images and range maps on over 1,000 birds of North America, including sub-species, vagrants, introduced birds and possibilities

North American Bird Search Box

There are two species of harriers seen in North America. The Northern Harrier is a native bird. This harrier was once known as the Marsh Harrier. The male has light gray plumage, where the female and juveniles have a brownish-red plumage. These birds of prey, mostly nest in the far northern regions of North America. Where the male is usually the last one to be seen in late fall, migrating south. The second harrier seen in North America is a native harrier of Eurasia, this the the Western Marsh Harrier. It has been seen in the eastern US States only once. It has been seen over a few years on the Island of Bermuda.

Harriers are recognized by their flight patterns, always with their heads facing directly below them as they fly. They also are known for their flying style, which much resembles a kite or a butterfly, fluttering in the wind. Most times they are seen gliding just above the marshes or fields.

Click on the bird images or names to see pictures of the Harriers seen in North America

Northern Harrier

Western Marsh Harrier

Reference to Other Bird Site:

ABA - American Birding Association This site represents an organization that maintains official records of all birds species that have been proven to have been seen inside the perimeters of the North American Continent and the surrounding bodies of water. Regular revised versions are posted to keep the bird list current at all times. This is the list used by all serious birders over their lifetime. You may be aware of the movie called the "Big Year". It was with this list that all the competing birders used in an attempt to set a new record as to how many bird species that could be seen by an individual birder in one calendar year.

Classic Collection of North American Birds

CCNAB