Harrier is a group of birds of prey. There are more than a dozen species (kinds). Harriers live in most places of the world except polar regions, some Pacific Ocean islands, and cold, dry, treeless regions called tundras. The northern harrier is the only species that lives in North America (see Northern harrier).
Harriers measure from 16 to 24 inches (41 to 61 centimeters) long. The females are larger than the males. Harriers have long, narrow wings, legs, and tails. The males usually have gray feathers, and the females are brown. Most harriers have a white patch above the tail.
Harriers hunt with a flapping flight over fields, meadows, and marshes. They slowly fly close to the ground, at times briefly staying in one spot in the air. The Harrier aircraft, which can hover in the air, is named after the flight of these birds. The owllike faces of harriers reflect sound to the ears and help the birds locate prey. Harriers eat small animals, including reptiles, birds, insects, and fish.
Loading the player...Northern harrier
Harriers use unusual flight patterns to court mates. These thrilling flights can include dives, tumbles, and somersaults. Harriers are usually silent, but they make sounds during courtship and when building nests. All harriers build nests on the ground except the tree-nesting spotted harrier of Australia.
