Honey Buzzards

[Bubbs]

An interesting point, Tim. Assuming that the mimic theory is correct and that evolution is more than Darwin's bright idea, is it possible that the odd "carpalised" OHBs have a slight advantage in the western part of the range? This roughly coincides with the range of Rough-legged Buzzard ...... John

Having Just returned from several weeks in Israel, I thought I would resurrect this ID problem. The bird in question is an OHB and I agree with most of the theories/answers.

Can anyone answer this though: why do a few 'normal' sub adult Honey Buzzards, passing through Israel, show prominent black gular stripes?

I can find no answer, nor can anyone tell me.

John Barclay.

[Steve]

<Bump>

[Andrew Rowlands]

Having Just returned from several weeks in Israel, I thought I would resurrect this ID problem. The bird in question is an OHB and I agree with most of the theories/answers.

Can anyone answer this though: why do a few 'normal' sub adult Honey Buzzards, passing through Israel, show prominent black gular stripes?

I can find no answer, nor can anyone tell me.

John Barclay.

They wouldn't just be mis-identified, would they, John? It seems to be a very difficult family.

Have you seen some of these birds for yourself?

Andy.

[Bubbs]

They wouldn't just be mis-identified, would they, John? It seems to be a very difficult family.

Have you seen some of these birds for yourself?

Andy.

Andy,

No these were Honey-Buzzards alright...all 120,000+ of them..in one morning and Pernis isn't the most difficult species to identify, even at long/ish range.

The streams of thousands of Honey Buzzards passing through the Eilat mountains in early May are often very close, close enough in fact to make a scope useless.

After thinking more about this problem; could it be that these individuals are from the eastern population. I know that male orientals show a gular stripe.

Your ideas and input would be welcome.

John Barclay.