noun a person or thing that harasses or attacks persistently
In military aviation, a harrier refers to a type of vertical/short takeoff and landing (V/STOL) jet aircraft capable of hovering, taking off vertically, and landing vertically or on short runways.
In the context of hunting, a harrier can refer to a type of hunting dog specifically bred for hunting hares and other small game by sight and scent.
In the field of ornithology, a harrier is a type of bird of prey known for its long wings and distinctive hunting behavior, often seen gliding low over fields and marshes to catch its prey.
In natural history and wildlife conservation, harriers are often studied for their behavior, habitat preferences, and ecological roles within their ecosystems.
In the field of writing, 'harrier' can be used to describe a type of hawk belonging to the genus Circus, known for their long wings and tail and their habit of hunting small mammals and birds by flying low over the ground.
For ornithologists, 'harrier' refers to a bird of prey in the family Accipitridae, characterized by their distinctive hunting behavior of flying low over open ground and marshes while searching for prey.
Wildlife biologists may use 'harrier' to specifically refer to the Northern Harrier (Circus cyaneus), a bird of prey commonly found in North America, Europe, and Asia, known for its distinctive white rump patch and owl-like facial disk.