Black or red? Hecho valley, Sp July (1 Viewer)

MTem

Well-known member

• Aug 28, 2014

• #1

I am fairly sure this is a red kite (juvenile?), but have had my confidence in separating these two shattered in a recent post where I was sure they were reds and the experts waded in that they were assuredly black kites…… so which is it please?

Evident fork in the tail.

Flying in a large mixed group (bout 50) of red and black kites catching some large insects above us

Thanks
Mick

 

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Gladiator96

Well-known member

• Aug 28, 2014

• #2

I'd go with black.

 

MTem

Well-known member

• Aug 29, 2014

• #3

Anyone else?

Any rationale Gladiator to help me in the future? Never thought it could be this difficult!

Mick

 

tconzemi

Tom

Supporter

• Aug 29, 2014

• #4

It's a Black, Red would show much whiter primary pannel

 

Southern Frogmouth

Well-known member

• Aug 29, 2014

• #5

It has got a pretty battered tail, which is why the fork looks deeper than one might normally expect. I agree with Tom and his reasoning. Juvenile Red Kites look immaculate at this time of year, although 1st summers and older wouldn't.

Cheers

Roy

 

MTem

Well-known member

• Aug 29, 2014

• #6

Thanks Tom/Roy.

Live and learn ……!

Mick

 

Andy Hurley

Gotta love nature!

Opus Editor

Supporter

• Aug 29, 2014

• #7

Agree with black for the reasons already given, there is little contrast in the windows. There are new growth primaries coming through, does that make this bird older?

 

tconzemi

Tom

Supporter

• Aug 29, 2014

• #8

Andy Hurley said:

Agree with black for the reasons already given, there is little contrast in the windows. There are new growth primaries coming through, does that make this bird older?

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Hi Andy
At least it is not a juvenile nor a sec cal year bird as the outer primaries are not juvenile so 3rd cal y +

 

Andy Hurley

Gotta love nature!

Opus Editor

Supporter

• Aug 29, 2014

• #9

Thanks Tom