A buzzard
From a way off I thought this was a steppe buzzard
A closer look revealed a rufus coloured underbelly. An immature Jackal Buzzard I thought at first, but of course that bird has a rufus band across the chest. As an amateur birder I really cant be sure. All I know is that those primary feathers look very familiar. I have two of them stuck in my fishing hat!
Yesterday I saw a book on raptors in the bookshop, and with only a mental picture, I decided that it probably is a Steppe Buzzard. They are fairly common, but their plumage varies a lot.
Someone please help me to identify this one!
A handsome fellow either way!
From comments here and on other forums, the vote is split between a Jackal Buzzard and a Steppe Buzzard! These birds of prey are tricky!
January 22, 2014 at 1:03 pm
Hmm I back you call on the Stepe Buzzard having looked at my Sasol eBirds app. Seems to be the closest representation. Agreed not a Jackal Buzzard and nothing else really comes close?
January 16, 2014 at 12:40 pm
Apologies for bad spelling – Steppe
January 16, 2014 at 12:41 pm
Wish I could help, but the closest feather we have around here in NY is the red-tailed hawk. Nice photo.
January 15, 2014 at 12:18 pm
Thanks Walt. I really struggle with the birds of prey…all the juveniles look the same, mottled brown!
January 15, 2014 at 1:53 pm