Northern Harrier (Circus cyaneus)

                                                       Photos by BarrytheBirder

This cow-sized hawk is widespread and common in open country that quarters over ground, hunting primarily for small rodents, frogs, and also some birds.   They perch low or on the ground, seldom on tall poles or trees.

They breed across Canada and south to the southern United States and Mexico.   They were formerly called Marsh Hawks.

They are easily identified in flight by their white rumps, long tails and behaviour; which is to flap occasionally, but mostly glide with long narrow wings angled up in a shallow V.

In perched birds, the long tail, white rump and owl-like face are distinctive.

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BarrytheBirder