Is the 6 finger not a significant pointer to black kite? I was on Cambridge birding about 4 years back and this was a significant ID point made.
H
it has only 5; the apparent 6th is just looking like a finger since it stands alone with the moult gap adjacent proximally.
and to answer ken's title question: yes, why not, if spread like this tails can look slightly convex in red kite.
Having seen many in the South of France over the years, I would not discount a reddish/brown appearance underneath particularly in late afternoon, with the sun dropping.
The lower wing looks to be a 6th finger to me, but can follow Lou's comment on the upper.
Cant wait for further input, as I may have to revisit my notes!
Yes me too, as all the BK’s that I’ve ever seen, have all looked Black, showing no rufous tones...remaining somewhat confused.....:-C
My first thought on this pic was wondering if it actually was a Marsh Harrier, having seen a few males that almost completely mimicked Red Kite plumage in all but tail shape... but looking at online photos I think MH with a spread tail would look distinctly more convex (e.g. https://www.birdforum.net/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=611011 ). So i think this has to be a very worn RK with outer tail feathers perhaps looking shorter due to the wear (and also to me it looks like a straight line more than really "convex").
Any good raptor people able to add to this?
Thanks
H
Thank you Mark,
H