Unusual raptor in Leyte (Philippines), today (1 Viewer)

Today it was raining, I didn't go birding. Just a short opening around 2PM, and went out to breath a bit of fresh air while two very distant raptors passed through the sky toward North-East. First was a second-cal Brahminy Kite, while second was much smaller than the kite but longer wings than Grey-faced Buzzard that I see regularly at that place.

The jizz recalled my a small harrier, but not as slim as Montagu's, rather like a small male of Hen or Northern Harrier.

Checking the pic, I'm stumped by such a strong and contrasting eye-brow.

I guess it is either Eastern Marsh Harrier or Pied Harrier, two potential lifer for me... no experience to ID them with their jizz!

If you can ID indeed, what plumage can show such an eye-brow please?

Help will be much appreciated! And sorry for the horrible pics, it was really far... and in grey clouds... well, you know.

Cheers

Wing formular and jizz look like a typical Grey-faced Buzzard to me. Also the white eyebrow is just
fine. Can't see a Harrier here.

CARERY said:

Wing formular and jizz look like a typical Grey-faced Buzzard to me. Also the white eyebrow is just
fine. Can't see a Harrier here.

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Yes,Grey-faced Buzzard - saw a few in Mindanao last month

cheers, alan

Interesting, thanks, I'm sure you guys are right. What plumage is that then, please? I see wintering Grey-faced Buzzards here, it is actually the most commonly seen raptor on my local patch, they don't have such eye-brow.

Valéry Schollaert said:

Interesting, thanks, I'm sure you guys are right. What plumage is that then, please? I see wintering Grey-faced Buzzards here, it is actually the most commonly seen raptor on my local patch, they don't have such eye-brow.

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That's because its a juvenile Valery. http://orientalbirdimages.org/search.php?Bird_Image_ID=69494&Bird_ID=915&Bird_Family_ID=&Location=

Grahame

Grahame Walbridge said:

That's because its a juvenile Valery. http://orientalbirdimages.org/search.php?Bird_Image_ID=69494&Bird_ID=915&Bird_Family_ID=&Location=

Grahame

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Yeah indeed, I should have checked better before posting. Well, at least I learned something and will not forget :t:

Thanks you all 3 !