Marsh Hawk
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The Northern Harrier (Circus cyaneus) or Marsh Hawk, is a large hawk that live in and around marshes and grassland areas of the United States.
They tend to fly low over the ground with their wings in a "V" shape. A white spot on the top of the tail feathers also serves as an identification clue. The hawk in the picture was perched low to the ground scoping out its breakfast options.
Marsh hawks are ground nesters. Those breeding in northern latitudes tend to migrate south for the winter, although in certain parts of the United States they are year round residents.
Their diet consists of small mammals and amphibians in their territory, and because they do not normally prey on domestic livestock such as chickens, they have never been considered an agriculture pest.
© 2007 Patricia A. Michaels