Raptors

Northern Harrier

Circus hudsonius

A slender, long-winged hawk that glides low over fields and marshes with wings held in a distinctive V shape. Males are gray; females and immatures are brown with a white rump patch.

Where to look

Coastal meadows, wetlands near Womens Bay, Buskin River flats, and open areas in the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge.

Habitat

Open marshes, grasslands, and tundra.

Diet

Small mammals, birds, frogs, and large insects.

Natural history note

Northern Harriers are unique among North American hawks in using their facial disc, like owls, to help locate prey by sound.