Northern Harriers in Winter

Photographer Gregg Thompson captured these photos of Northern Harriers on the Samish Flats in northwestern Washington State. The male and female of these birds have different markings. The female is pale below and otherwise streaky brown; the male is pale below and gray above with black wing edges and wingtips. Notice that  both have a distinctive white rump patch and black bands in the tail.

The female...

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And the male...

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Thanks, Gregg!

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All photos are © Gregg Thompson and may not be used without permission.

Listen to BirdNote stories about Northern Harriers:
Sky Dancing - A Rare Sight
How Birds' Names Change
Northern Harrier and Barn Owl