Northern harrier (Circus cyaneus), Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts, 2015.

Unlike most hawks but like most owls, these birds have facial discs that collect sound waves, directing the waves toward their ears. The northern harrier uses its excellent hearing for hunting, so look for it to be flying low over marshes or grasslands listening and looking for prey. You'll be able to identify the northern harrier by its v-shaped wing position held during gliding as well as the conspicuous white patch at the base of its tail. Interestingly, northern harriers hunt mostly small animals or birds but are capable of taking much bigger prey like rabbits and ducks. They have even been known to subdue larger animals by drowning them!

bird birdwatching wild wildlife harrier northern harrier hawk hunting flight wolf trap national park for the performing arts wolf trap national park circus cyaneus birds prey animals harriers hunt sound waves waves national parks gallery virginia bird photos public domain

2015

National Parks Gallery

https://npgallery.nps.gov/

Public Domain Dedication