Northern Harrier vs American Goshawk

In short

The Northern Harrier and American Goshawk are both raptors but differ significantly in structure and behavior. The Northern Harrier is known for its low, buoyant flight over open fields, while the American Goshawk is a powerful, agile hunter of dense forests. Key field marks include the Northern Harrier's distinctive white rump and the Goshawk's strong, broad wings and long tail.

Identification tips

• Look for the white rump on a Northern Harrier in flight.
• Note the broad wings and long tail of the American Goshawk, especially in forested areas.
• Observe the hunting style: low, coursing flight for Harriers vs. rapid, agile pursuit for Goshawks.
• Consider the habitat: open fields for Harriers, dense forests for Goshawks.

Size

The American Goshawk is generally larger and more robust than the slender Northern Harrier.

Plumage

The Northern Harrier has a distinctive white rump patch visible in flight, while the American Goshawk has a more uniform appearance with a grayish back and a barred underbody. The Goshawk also has a bold white supercilium (eyebrow) above the eye.

Behaviour

Northern Harriers hunt by flying low over open areas, using both sight and sound to locate prey. In contrast, American Goshawks are aggressive hunters that use short bursts of speed and agility to pursue prey through dense forests.

Habitat

Northern Harriers are typically found in open habitats like marshes and grasslands, while American Goshawks prefer mature forests with large trees and open understories.

Voice

Vocalizations are not a primary distinguishing feature in the field for these species.