Birds Around Las Vegas, Wildlife Around Las Vegas
 Northern Harrier female (brown) |
General Description: Northern Harriers (Circus cyaneus) are large, sexually dimorphic birds of prey. Both genders show a large white rump patch, which is diagnostic, and both have a large-headed, owl-like appearance. Males are gray overall with black wingtips. Females are brown overall with streaked underparts. Juveniles are darker overall with a clear breast. Harriers are recognized from other birds of prey by the long, narrow, wings, long tail, and the behavior of flying low to the ground with the wings held above horizontal. Taxonomy: Accipitriformes, Accipitridae. Favored Habitat: Open areas, especially marshes. Roosts on the ground, so does not need places to perch. |
 Northern Harrier male (gray) |
Where to Find: Fairly common, usually seen hunting over marshes, but also regularly seen in the open desert. Around Las Vegas, look for harriers in the open desert, and also at marshes in the Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge, Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, in the Moapa Valley near Moapa National Wildlife Refuge, and in the Overton Wildlife Management Area. |
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If you were a field vole or a little mouse, this might be the last face you ever see! |
 Northern Harrier female |
 Northern Harrier female: notice the owl-like facial disk |
 Northern Harrier female |
 Notice the owl-like facial disk |
 Northern Harrier female; notice wings held above horizontal |
 Northern Harrier female; notice the dark back and white rump |
 Northern Harrier male hunting over a marsh |
 Northern Harrier male |
 Northern Harrier male |
 Northern Harrier male |
 Northern Harrier female in flight: note the streaked breast |
 Juvenile in flight: note the clear breast |
 Hunting meadows near 10K feet in the Ruby Mountains, Nevada |
 Typical hunting behavior: flying low and slow over a marsh |
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Note: All distances, elevations, and other facts are approximate.
; Last updated 240108
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