Northern Harriers are medium birds widely recognized for their petite, but long wings and long tails.
The mature male hawks of this species have a pastel gray color on their upperparts, but they have very dark feathers near their wings, especially around the edges.
Both the female and immature Northern Harrier hawks have brown streaked feathers and have neutral colored underparts.
When observing these hawks up close, you’ll likely notice that they resemble the appearance of an owl.
Maine is a wintering habitat for Northern Harriers, so you will most likely see them beginning in the late autumn months.
It is common to observe these hawks flying low over open country areas in search of prey.
Northern Harriers usually nest in loose colonies, where the males tend to have more than one mate.
Their nesting areas are on the ground in dense fields and marshes, and they build their nests with grass, sticks, and weeds.
Male Northern Harriers have a popularly recognized ‘kek-kek’ sound when they become territorially defensive. In contrast, females offer high pitched whistles.