Harried ID please - Montagu's or Pallid ? (1 Viewer)

[Biju.P.B]

Hi.. Got this image from the Koonthankulam Bird Sanctuary, South India .. last week (5.12.2014). I'm confused whether it is Pallid or Montagu's .. I'm more inclined towards the pallid.. but, wanted make sure.. regards, Biju

 

[Dimitris]

Females are not easy. Do you have any images of the bird in flight?

The lack of a collar is not good for Pallid, but you definitely cannot rule it out based on this character alone.

 

[Giroud Marc]

It's a Montagu's IMO : long primary projection reaching the tail tip, head pattern, streaks on belly...

 

[Biju.P.B]

Thank you... :t:

 

[Woody1]

That is a wonderful shot . Never seen a Montagu's Harrier so this picture as been help to me I have been looking through my new book (The Raptors of Europe & the Middle East) as I am trying to learn about raptors . Would I be correct in thinking that this is a female with the yellow iris?

 

[wolfbirder]

I think it is an adult female.

In young harriers I think males only have a yellow iris.

 

[Woody1]

I think it is an adult female.

In young harriers I think males only have a yellow iris.

Thanks , that is what I thought and from reading my book young female Montagu's have brown to amber iris? if I read correctly.