Can a peregrine at a distance have a white chin? (2 Viewers)

[maplekong]

I was at the peak district today, and saw two raptors. One was too far away, and the other was at a distance. The one at a distance, seen through binoculars (but still far away) had all dark upperparts, and underparts, apart from chin/chest (too far away) not particularly long-tailed. Rather robust, so I'm thinking this could be a peregrine? I don't think I will put it down, just get an idea- can a peregrine have all dark underparts from a distance apart from a white chin/chest? Any help would be appreciated, sorry for the vague description.

 

[Stonefaction]

Peregrine can have that white chin, dark underside look from a distance - especially youngsters which tend to be darker overall. Lighting conditions can also play a part in how a bird appears.

Peregrine

Explore this photo album by stonefaction on Flickr!

www.flickr.com

 

[maplekong]

Thanks, I did not see obvious barring overall or on the tail, so that was probably it.

 

[maplekong]

That's a lot of amazing pictures as well.

 

[maplekong]

Does anyone know if any other birds could be the culprit?

 

[Bewick]

Did you think it had a falcon structure? If so then it could also be a hobby or merlin, they all show a 'white chin' imo. However if it was large then I think you can be quite confident with a peregrine. During a visit to cumbria I had a peregrine in a dispute with two kestrels- very cool to see. Have you see any ospreys?

 

[maplekong]

It was, with limited certainty, between raven and carrion crow, so peregrine I think. Thanks guys!

 

[maplekong]

During a visit to cumbria I had a peregrine in a dispute with two kestrels- very cool to see. Have you see any ospreys?

That sounds veeerry cool. Did you get it on video? No ospreys yet, my family are not up for the long walks in the Lake District.

 

[Bewick]

That sounds veeerry cool. Did you get it on video? No ospreys yet, my family are not up for the long walks in the Lake District.

Think we did but it was with a sports camera as we didn’t have any better cameras at that time.