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The Northern Harrier is widely distributed across Canada and nests on the ground in densely vegetated wetlands or grasslands. The species is well monitored by the Breeding Bird Survey and results indicate large decreases in population since about 1970. However, trends vary regionally including a possible increase in the Atlantic Northern Forest Bird Conservation Region population. The species is susceptible to pesticide exposure and has also suffered as a result of extensive drainage of wetlands. This species has been identified as a priority for conservation and/or stewardship in one or more Bird Conservation Region Strategies in Canada.
Like many birds of prey, Northern Harriers suffered reproductive failure and population decline in the mid-twentieth century as a result of organochlorine pesticide application (Smith et al. 2011). Extensive loss of freshwater and estuarine wetlands in the United States threatens wintering birds, and intensification of agriculture can adversely affect birds using drier habitats. The species can exhibit nomadic behaviour as it searches for suitable nesting and foraging habitat.
Environment and Climate Change Canada and partners have developed Bird Conservation Region Strategies in each of Canada’s Bird Conservation Regions (BCRs). In these strategies, selected species are identified as priorities for one or more of the following reasons:
Select any of the sub-regions below to view the BCR strategy for additional details.
