The degree of sexual dimorphism (the condition in which males and females of a species are morphologically different) in Northern harriers is exceptional among birds of prey. Many raptors are sexually dimorphic in size (see my “Great Horned Owls on the Farm” post) but Northern Harrier males and females are distinctly different in both size and color.
Adult female Northern Harrier
This bird is a juvenile female, identified by the mostly solid rufous chest and dark eye. The adult female would look much the same but with a streaked breast and a lighter colored eye. By weight, females are about 50% heavier than males. Both sexes have the distinctive white rump patch that is so difficult to photograph without blowing the whites.
Adult male Northern Harrier
Adult males are gray above, much lighter below and have black wing tips. And their bright yellow eyes are quite distinctive.
Adult male hunting
Juvenile birds of both sexes resemble the female in plumage color so relatively few adult males are seen and photographed. For this reason mature males have long been referred to as “Grey Ghosts”.
Perched adult male
Whether perched or in flight many believe the adult male harrier to be one of the most beautiful raptors.
Adult male flying past Phragmites
Eye color in the males can vary from orange-yellow to lemon yellow. At times they’re so bright that some folks after seeing my images have thought that I had increased their saturation for effect during image processing. I hadn’t and I don’t.
Adult male hunting
In early stages of development, young males have more brown and less grey. In this image the background is the snow-covered Wasatch Mountains.
Curious male
At times these birds seem to be almost as curious about me as I am about them. Here the hunting male decided to momentarily check out me and my long lens. I like the resulting head turn.
Harriers may very well be my favorite species to photograph. I really have no preference of one sex over the other in my photography but must admit to some extra satisfaction when I get a nice flight shot of a male because they are so elusive. Truly a “Grey Ghost” as a fully mature adult.
Ron
I live in Wisconsin near Whitewater. A couple days ago a male Northern Harrier showed in my backyard right ( have 5 acres). Having never seen a bird like this before I looked it up. I was amazed. However, I’m having trouble finding out this birds regular range. I want how common it is especiallythe in this area. Thanks in advance for any help you may provide. -Dave
Hi Dave, this species is found throughout most of North America, including Wisconsin. Just how common it is in your area I don’t know. Here’s a link to a range map. http://sdakotabirds.com/species/maps/northern_harrier_map.htm
This is an outstanding site !!
Thank you for these wonderful pictures. Be it male or female the Northern Harrier is a truly magnificent bird.
Thanks Kathleen. Agreed, both sexes are stunning.
Ron,
These photos are absolutely fantastic! The poses and light are beautiful, not to mention the eye contact! I was so pleased to find your blog/website this morning.
Thank you.
Kristin Brown