This name change made many folks angry and some continue to grumble about it to this day.
The common names of birds can be confusing. To minimize that confusion the American Ornithologists Union (A.O.U.) assigns an acceptable common name for each bird species. Their goal is for the assigned name to be both fitting and consistent and that the name is universally used and accepted. But when those names have to be changed, based on new scientific evidence or even public pressure, it can create a mini-firestorm.
1/3200, f/6.3, ISO 800, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM, not baited, set up or called in
This is our old friend the Northern Harrier. Normally they’re quite skittish but this one was so close I had to remove my teleconverter. This pose emphasizes their unusually long and slender body.
1/3200, f/6.3, ISO 500, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM, not baited, set up or called in
But their most distinctive feature is probably their facial disk, a trait they share with owls.
For decades the official common name of this bird was Marsh Hawk and that name was both descriptive and appropriate because they’re obviously a hawk and their preferred habitat is marshes. My first serious introduction to Marsh Hawks was in the early 80’s when I’d see them cruising the marshes at Bear River MBR. They were common and easy to identify both perched and in flight and their name seemed absolutely perfect for them.
However, there are about a dozen species of harriers found throughout the world and our Marsh Hawk just happened to be one of them. The A.O.U. wasn’t comfortable allowing this single harrier species to have a non-harrier name so in 1982 they decided that our Marsh Hawk had to become the Northern Harrier.
What? You can imagine the reaction of many long-time birders and raptor aficionados! Even though I was a newbie birder at the time I was incensed. And stubborn about accepting the change. This was in the days before the internet so changes like this took some time to become accepted (for example, new editions of major field guides had to come out for the word to get out there) and some of us accept those changes grudgingly, kicking and screaming all the way. I continued to call them Marsh Hawks for several years after the change was made.
But now “Northern Harrier” seems perfectly appropriate and I often remind myself that the name change could have been worse. In Europe this same species is called a Hen Harrier, a name that has always seemed inappropriate and even distasteful to me.
If the A.O.U. had decided to call our Marsh Hawk the Hen Harrier in order to be consistent with Europe I’d still be kicking and screaming.
Ron
Else in the world? Was marsh harrier ever considered or is there another somewhere
I guess I prefer Marsh Hawk because at least it describes its typical habitat. Harrier, assuming the etymology is related to harass, is not so descriptive to me; are not all raptors harriers in some way?. Also, the scientific name has changed, apparently due to genetic differences between the American and Eurasian populations , and they may or may not differ in morphology. The poor bird must be suffering an identity crisis. Anyhow, a beautiful bird as your photos well illustrate.
“are not all raptors harriers in some way?”
I guess it’s a matter of degree, Lyle.
If pressed I’d probably have to say that I still prefer Marsh Hawk. It just has a certain ring to it.
Such an elegant predator, whatever it is called.
I struggle with name changes. And with some bird names. Our magpie is very different to your magpie and both are different to the European magpie…
That tends to be the problem with common names, EC. Scientific names have their…. difficulties but when they’re used most of that confusion doesn’t exist.
Like many, the Northern Harrier is my favorite raptor and bird. I have been blessed to get to know
one particular male during 3 winter seasons in Texas. Hence I named him Winter. I’m no biologist or
animal behavioral expert, but Winter could be the most tolerant Northern Harrier on the planet.
Many of my photos are within 30 feet. (NO BAITING or CALLING) I believe this is in part to spending 100’s of hours
in his company, treating him with due respect, wearing the exact same colors and cap everytime.
I do most of my photos from within my car or shooting behind hay bales. He tends to get nervous when he sees
my legs in motion.
On many cloudy days I would leave my camera at home and drink my morning coffee in my car observing him perched,
hunting, interacting with females and going about his daily activities. Oddly enough, living in the
Blackland Prairies of Texas, I have never seen one in a Marsh area….Amazing bird whatever people
choose to call them.
Wow, “your” harrier sounds very unusual, James. I’ve never heard of a human having that kind of relationship with a harrier. Thanks for telling your story.
What’s in a name? A lot!
I like Harrier and Marsh Hawk but I find Harrier more fitting and descriptive. Our local Harriers make a regular habit of harrying the heck out of the White-tailed Kites when the Kites are so bold as to hunt in the Harriers favorites areas, which are pretty extensive.
Two great photos and the first shot is just incredible showing off the long, long length of the bird, the wings and the tail. A long sultry look for sure.
Around here they harry just about every other raptor and one of their favorite victims is pheasants. They seem to harass pheasants just for the fun of it. They can have an ornery streak. Thanks, Dave.
We were discussing this very topic a few days ago, up here in Manitoba, twiddling our thumbs and looking for the first Sparrow Hawks. Spring is, however, on its way and a couple of recently returned Duck Hawks were photographed in Winnipeg.
That brought a smile, Bill. Early on I used both of those names myself.
Interesting info, I have always just know them as harriers. I think the first time I heard them called marsh hawk was when I started reading your blog.
I love the first photo, very sultry!
“Sultry” – never thought of that but you’re right, April.
The Northern Marsh Harrier Hawk. No? Too soon? 😉 Whatever it is called, it is one striking bird! I especially like the first shot with her coy over-the-shoulder look.
Besides, “Marsh Hawk” wouldn’t fit on a license plate. 😉
I almost made that very point about my vanity plate, Marty. Probably should have. Thank you.
Stunning photos, Ron.
Thanks, Melanie.
I’m still kicking and screaming (been a birder since 1947) even though I sort of accept the name Northern Harrier. But, being the only Harrier in North America why not Marsh Harrier? Don’t get me started on common names, I won’t be responsible for what I say! VBG!
Beautiful shots of a beautiful female bird. Unfortunately I always see them at a distance, especially the “Gray Ghost.”
Many thanks for sharing.
“But, being the only Harrier in North America why not Marsh Harrier?”
That’s a very good point, Dick. I dunno. Thank you.
That would cause confusion Dick, in Europe we have marsh harrier and hen harrier.
The latter is a favourite bird over here in Britain but is heavily persecuted on grouse shooting moors where it prefers to nest.
The experts say that there is enough habitat in England for 300+ pairs but it’s a good year if we have 10 successful pairs.
Excellent shots and explanation Ron! Thanks for sharing! Some birds are like women when they get married. They have the same name all their lives and one day (after their wedding) they wake up with a new name LOL!
Thank you, Charlotte, Interesting observation.
Surely do admire that first image ! The elongated simplicity reminds me of an ancient Egyptian urn that I’ve seen in a photograph-it has what appears to be a hawk’s head at the apex of the form—I’m wondering if it could have been a marsh hawk depicted, and might have been inspired to take that form by that species’ actual perching silhouette……..
That Egyptian urn you mention rings a bell for me too, Kris. Might have to do a little research now…
I started birding with my grandparents about 1958, I learned the names from Roger Troy Peterson’s book… still have it. Hated it when they changed the names on me while I was busy with college and career. Finally had to get a new book with the new names, but the Yellow Rump Warbler will always be a Myrtle and the Northern Harrier will always be a Marsh Hawk.
I also learned many bird names from Peterson, Jo. I think I still have his field guide too.
The Northern Harrier is one of my favorites who I have taken hundreds of photos of (none as good as yours) and love to watch them flying close to the ground up and down the shores of two of our lakes. I don’t think the British developer/manufacturer Hawker Siddeley would have named their fighter jet Marsh Hawk, and for sure not Hen Harrier. Can you imagine a fighter pilot proudly pointing to his Hen Harrier jet? Excellent post and very educational at least for me Ron. Never knew they had a previous name. Also I am very envious of these shots because I have so rarely seen one of our Harriers stop for a decent pose. They are almost always on the move, and even when they are not they tend to settle down in deep brush.
Everett Sanborn, Prescott AZ
“Can you imagine a fighter pilot proudly pointing to his Hen Harrier jet?”
That brought a smile, Everett.
And yes, harriers are more difficult to get good photos of than most raptors.
Beautiful bird and thx for pointing out the facial disk – a great identifying feature….:) Common name changes/differences in both plants and animals can be hard to swallow. I’ve also run into gritting my teeth when names of streets/places get changed – Cape Canaveral to Cape Kennedy and back again, Machinery Row vs. 2nd St. So….. 😉 Seems like if I’ve known something as something I can be VERY inflexible about it becoming something different! 😉
“Seems like if I’ve known something as something I can be VERY inflexible about it becoming something different!”
So can I, Judy. But then I’m inflexible about a lot of things…
Ouch! Hen Harrier! Sounds rather demeaning to this fantastic bird. I’ve only known it as Northern Harrier since I haven’t been a ‘birder’ for that many years though I’ve seen ‘Marsh Hawk’ as a alternative. To me both names fit this bird especially after spending time with it. Can’t help but think of the Marine jet when you see it hovering over a field. Name changes sometimes make sense but not always. The same confusion followed the botanical name change for some flowers…sometimes one wonders why…🤔
I think both names fit the bird pretty well too, Kathy.