Weekly Bird Identification Quiz
January 25 - January 31, 2010
How to Identify:
This week’s quiz bird is obviously some species of raptor. Just by looking at the structure of this raptor, many species are eliminated from consideration. The long tail and thin body eliminate all species except for the accipiters and Northern Harrier. The overall brownish appearance, especially the much darker head than body favor the harrier. You can also see a hint of a white rump which is a great field mark for Northern Harrier.
Answer: Northern Harrier
Photo Location: Wind Cave National Park, South Dakota
Photo Date: May 2009
Correct Answers:
Landon Neumann, Logansport, IN
Bill Murphy, Fishers, IN
John Mueller, Avon, IN
Vicki Whitaker, Oakland City, IN
Su Snyder, Wooster, IN
Mikael Olofsson, Lund, Sweden
Ginger Walker, Richmond, VA
Jessica Leach, Dallas, OR
Other Answers:
Cooper's Hawk