This slender, long-winged, long-tailed hawk is often identified by its distinctive white rump patch. Since the northern harrier hunts by sound as well as sight, it is likely to be seen flying low over the dunefield margins and visitor center, searching for prey. It hunts small rodents, lizards, and birds, but will occasionally eat larger prey such as rabbits. The northern harrier nests and often perches on the ground. One of the other distinctive characteristics that the bird has is its owl-like face. The feathers around its head allow sounds to be focused and channeled directly into its ears.
rodents, lizards,|birds,|rabbits. small rodents, lizards,|birds,|rabbits.
rodents, lizards,|birds,|rabbits. small rodents, lizards,|birds,|rabbits.