Northern harrier

Introduction References & Edit History

Images

A marsh hawk, also known as a hen harrier or northern harrier (Circus cyaneus), soars with wings spread wide against a clear blue sky.

Illustration of a marsh hawk, or Circus cyaneus, with wings spread wide and talons extended as if swooping down to catch prey. The bird has brown and gray plumage with a distinctive facial disk and barred tail.

Illustration of a marsh hawk, also known as a harrier (Circus cyaneus), showing a medium-sized bird of prey with brown and gray plumage, streaked chest, yellow legs, and a long, banded tail perched on a branch.

Quick Facts

Also called:: marsh hawk

A marsh hawk, also known as a hen harrier or northern harrier (Circus cyaneus), soars with wings spread wide against a clear blue sky. — marsh hawk Marsh hawk, also called hen harrier or northern harrier (Circus cyaneus).

Northern harrier

bird

Also known as: Circus cyaneus, hen harrier, marsh hawk

Written and fact-checked by

Britannica Editors

Last updated

Nov. 12, 2026 •History

Northern harrier, (Circus cyaneus), common name for the best-known harrier species.

This article was most recently revised and updated by John P. Rafferty.