Western Marsh Harrier vs Northern Harrier

In short

The Western Marsh Harrier and Northern Harrier are both medium-sized raptors with similar hunting styles but differ in plumage and habitat preferences. The Western Marsh Harrier is more robust with broader wings, while the Northern Harrier is slender with a distinctive white rump patch.

Identification tips

• White rump patch: Look for the Northern Harrier's distinctive white rump, visible in all plumages.
• Wing shape: Western Marsh Harriers have broader wings, whereas Northern Harriers have narrower, more pointed wings.
• Habitat: Consider the habitat; Northern Harriers are more likely in open fields and marshes, while Western Marsh Harriers prefer wetlands.
• Plumage: Note the plumage; adult male Northern Harriers are grey, while Western Marsh Harriers are more uniformly brown.

Size

The Western Marsh Harrier is generally more robust with broader wings compared to the slender Northern Harrier.

Plumage

Adult male Northern Harriers have a distinctive white rump and grey plumage, while females and juveniles are brown with a white rump. Western Marsh Harriers are more uniformly brown with some sexual dimorphism, males having greyish wings.

Behaviour

Both species hunt low over open ground, but the Northern Harrier often relies more on auditory cues to locate prey.

Habitat

Western Marsh Harriers are typically found in wetlands and reedbeds, while Northern Harriers prefer open grasslands, marshes, and tundra.