Forestry & Wildlife

*This is an excerpt from Common Birds of Prey of Alabama, ANR – 1386.

Though most raptors hunt from high above, the northern harrier is frequently seen hunting just a few feet above the ground in marshes and grasslands. Commonly referred to as the marsh hawk or sparrow hawk, females of the species are mostly dark brown above with a pale underside barred with dark brown. Males on the other hand, are mostly pale gray above and white below. The characteristic that most easily distinguishes them from other gray raptors are the black wingtips visible from both below and above during flight and a white rump patch.

Read here to learn more about common birds of prey of Alabama.

Download a PDF of Common Birds of Prey of Alabama, ANR – 1386.