Northern Harriers are classified as medium-sized birds, though they have long, narrow wings and long tails.
These hawks are often compared to owls with regard to their facial features. Adult male Northern Harriers are known to be pale gray above, with dark feathers on their wings.
In contrast, the female and juvenile hawks usually have streaky brown feathers, and are pale colored below.
Northern Harriers can be found in Nevada year-round, particularly in the northern part of the state.
During the winter, however, you may see more of these hawks taking habitat in Southern Nevada.
You’ll most likely find these hawks in their preferred open fields and grasslands, where they nest on the ground in loose colonies.
Their breeding season typically begins in spring and has been known to last late into the autumn months.
Male Northern Harriers can be identified by their high-pitched ‘kek-kek’ sound when they are threatened by predators. Females are known for their piercing scream during breeding season to communicate with their male partners.