ML625472578

Age

Not specified

Sex

Not specified

Observation details

At first, the bird looked unusual for a Common Buzzard, and wondered if there was any chance it could be a Himalayan Buzzard. So, I reached out to Mr. Prasad Ganpule, author of "Identification of Himalayan Buzzard Buteo refectus and Its Status in Gujarat and Peninsular India". He confirmed it as a Steppe Buzzard, not a Himalayan Buzzard. Pasting the exact confirmation pointers given by him. "This is a Steppe Buzzard (B. b. vulpinus) and not a Himalayan Buzzard. Some features which point to ID as a Steppe Buzzard (in random order) are: - lack of distinct moustachial stripe - sparsely barred secondaries and lack of barring on outer primaries - broader trailing edge to wings - narrower wings - dark carpals are often shown by Steppe Buzzard - rufous plumage (Himalayan is usually tawnier)". I also posted it on the Facebook group "Raptors Identification & Behaviour (India)", where Mr. Nirav Bhatt confirmed it as a Common Buzzard sub sp. and not a Himalayan Buzzard. From Nirav "It is a common buzzard with unusual markings. Looks more like nominate buteo. But these are extremely variable birds so all I can say is that it is a common buzzard. Not himalayan"

Technical information

Dimensions

687 pixels x 458 pixels

Original file size

50.92 KB