All of North America except for boreal north. This hawk will be seen during the summer in the northern areas and during Winter in the southern areas, with the central latitudes either all year or migrating.

Numerous over open lands, and particularly marshes but less so in eastern parts of the continent. Usually hunts low in slow flight and is able to float in the air without expending energy, with wings in a shallow V. The northern harriow hunts by sound as well as sight and displays spectacular dives and loops.

White rump patch before long tail feathers. Owl like facial disk features.

Male is gray above, white below with black wing tips. Female is larger, brown above, tawny below with dark streaking, Immature is like female with washed rufous below.