Birdorable Blog

Bonanza Bird #6: Northern Harrier

July 15th, 2012 in Birdorable Bonanza 2012, Birds of Prey – 8 comments

Today's new bird in the Birdorable Bonanza 2012 is the Northern Harrier.

In most birds of prey, males and females have similar plumage. The Northern Harrier is an exception to this rule. Males have a mostly grey plumage, while females have a brownish plumage. Northern Harriers have a unique flight style, swooping low over fields and prairies looking for prey items with a butterfly-like flapping pattern.

Northern Harrier by canorus

The tendency to soar low over the ground combined with their unique plumage has earned male Northern Harriers a cute nickname: Grey Ghost.

Sample Northern Harrier t-shirts and gifts

Tomorrow's bird is a South American species of parrot with a raptoresque name. Can you guess what it will be?

8 comments on "Bonanza Bird #6: Northern Harrier"

15 Jul 2012
at 12:02pm

Tough Titmouse wrote:

Wow... I personally think the female is prettier... LOL

15 Jul 2012
at 12:24pm

bluegrosbeak wrote:

what does raptoresque mean, i searched all over the web and could not find anything, maybe you can help me

15 Jul 2012
at 12:25pm

Birdorable wrote:

@bluegrosbeak - I just kind of made up that word! It means "raptor-like". :)

15 Jul 2012
at 1:25pm

laurakeet wrote:

that bird stumps me, my best guess is the hoatzin, but that wouldn't be a parrot... although it has similar features as the picture and has similar range. am I correct?

15 Jul 2012
at 1:30pm

laurakeet wrote:

forget what i said before... it isn't an amazon... or a macaw... I don't know what it is!

15 Jul 2012
at 1:34pm

laurakeet wrote:

I got it! A hawk-head parrot!