Buzzard? in Afghanistan. (1 Viewer)

[taketotheskies]

This was taken in Kabul. Most of the buzzards look the same to me. Thank you...

 

[taketotheskies]

The more I compare it to other buzzards over here, I'm leaning toward Long Legged Buzzard.

 

[timsg80]

Would definitely agree with Long-legged.

 

[P.Sunesen]

Indeed a Long legged Buzzard.

Probably in first adult plumage since the iris does not seem dark enough for an older bird.

Peter

 

[MJB]

This was taken in Kabul. Most of the buzzards look the same to me. Thank you...

If this is a recent picture, ruling out a wintering Upland Buzzard Buteo [rufinus] hemilasius would be difficult. Also, hybrid hemilasius/rufinus individuals, presumably migrants that presumably pass through Afghanistan, have been recorded in Charyn Canyon, Kazakhstan in 2012... (I think mentioned by Arendt Wassink).

Of course if it's a summer picture, most likely it's a Long-legged Buzzard...
MJB

 

[taketotheskies]

I took the photo 2 days ago. I have been looking for it often to get some better pictures with more detail. I will keep looking and post anymore shots I take. Thank you for all of the info.

 

[P.Sunesen]

I believe the featherless tarsus rules out Upland Buzzard (3/4 of the tarsus feathered)....

 

[MJB]

I believe the featherless tarsus rules out Upland Buzzard (3/4 of the tarsus feathered)....

That may well be the clincher. Pity there isn't a picture showing that feature with the bird at rest, though...
MJB

 

[taketotheskies]

No resting shots yet but I caught it passing by. Its much more skittish than I would have expected. I imagine though...they are not treated very nice buy the locals here.

 

[P.Sunesen]

That may well be the clincher. Pity there isn't a picture showing that feature with the bird at rest, though...
MJB

On two of the three shots most of the tarsus is clearly visible (on the third even fully exposed), leaving no doubt that it has mostly bare legs, and is not feathered 3/4 down.

I thus don't really get why a shot of the resting bird with legs often more or less obscured by body feathers, would serve us better in getting a straightforward identification?

Peter

 

[MJB]

On two of the three shots most of the tarsus is clearly visible (on the third even fully exposed), leaving no doubt that it has mostly bare legs, and is not feathered 3/4 down.

I thus don't really get why a shot of the resting bird with legs often more or less obscured by body feathers, would serve us better in getting a straightforward identification?

Peter

There were only the two pics initially, and it's not uncommon in a still shot to see feathers displaced (momentarily) when the bird is caught in mid-movement, but I was just being on the cautious side. The third pic certainly leaves no doubt on that score. Anyway, Peter, I keep on learning!
MJB

 

[taketotheskies]

I am sure this is another Long Legged Buzzard. It's probably even the same Buzzard from last week. I just wanted to get a clearer picture up to leave no doubt.

 

[P.Sunesen]

Agree, probably the same adult Long legged Buzzard.

 

[mtaylor87]

I am sure this is another Long Legged Buzzard. It's probably even the same Buzzard from last week. I just wanted to get a clearer picture up to leave no doubt.

Second photo is amazing. :clap::clap:

 

[taketotheskies]

Thanks, there is a buzzard, kite, or harrier that I have been trying to get a shot of in Mazar I Sharif but my timing is always wrong. If I do get a pic, I'll be posting it to try and figure out what it is.