NORTHERN HARRIER

Introduction

The Northern harrier (Circus cyaneus) is a rare and local breeder in BCR 14. It prefers open areas including marshes and upland fields containing brushy clumps for nesting. It is listed as a Species of Greatest Conservation Need in one or more states in BCR 14.

Habitat Needs

This bird typically inhabits emergent swamps, meadows and sloughs and upland pastures or fields. It nests on the ground in tall dense clumps of vegetation, usually a wet spot in upland fields, or in swamps. It feeds primarily on small mammals but will take small birds, snakes and amphibians.

Its territory size is roughly 1 square mile.

Habitat Management Practices

Maintain larger openings such as hayfields. The major cause of habitat loss is through development or reversion of fields to woodland.

Additional Information


Categories
Forest Types