The northern harrier, also known as the marsh hawk or ring-tailed hawk, is a bird of prey. It breeds throughout the northern parts of the northern hemisphere in Canada and the northernmost USA. Males and females both give a fast series of kek notes lasting 1–2 seconds during courtship displays. When threatened by nest predators or mobbed by small birds, they use higher-pitched kek notes. The female gives a piercing scream during the breeding season, prompting the male to either mate with her or bring food.