The Hen Harrier and the Northern Harrier: Similar in Flight, Divided by Oceans

The Hen Harrier (Circus cyaneus) and the Northern Harrier (Circus hudsonicus) are two strikingly similar birds of prey that embody both beauty and conflict in the natural world. Once considered a single species, but since 2017 they now represent two distinct lineages divided by the Atlantic Ocean. Each hunts low over open ground, moving with graceful, buoyant wingbeats, but their fates have diverged sharply.

Matthew Birchett5 November 2025hen harrier, northern harrier, differences hen harrier and northern harrier, harriers, harrier images, harrier picturesComment