Northern Harrier Males – “Grey Ghosts”

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. 

 

Northern Harrier adult female

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. 

 

 Northern Harrier adult male

 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. 

 

 Northern Harrier adult male

 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”. 

 

 Northern Harrier adult male

 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.

 

 Northern Harrier adult male

 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. 

 

 Northern Harrier adult male

 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

 

 

  

6 Comments

  1. 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

  2. This is an outstanding site !!

  3. Thank you for these wonderful pictures. Be it male or female the Northern Harrier is a truly magnificent bird.

  4. 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

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