Dubai Bird ID (1 Viewer)

[Mergus1]

Hello folks,

back from a stopover in the UAE with some wonderful birds. Unfortunately there are some tricky ones left I couldn´t identify yet. Maybe someone can help out? Seen February 10th at Expo Lake near Dubai.

#1+2 Sand grouse sp. ?
#3 Western marsh harrier?
#4 Greater spotted / steppe eagle ?
#5 Oriental honey buzzard ?

Thanks a lot

 

[HH75]

Correct with number 3. Number 5 is a juvenile Bonelli's Eagle. I'd have to check the literature for the eagle, and the sandgrouse too.

 

[Tote]

Photo 5 is an OHB for me.

 

[lou salomon]

Photo 5 is an OHB for me.

For me too.
4 looks like an adult Steppe Eagle.
Sandgrouses should be Pin-tailed on appearance.

 

[kuzeycem]

Wouldn't discount Eastern Imperial for #4

 

[lou salomon]

Wouldn't discount Eastern Imperial for #4

True. Body is very black and nape possibly too pale for Steppe Eagle?

 

[andyb39]

True. Body is very black and nape possibly too pale for Steppe Eagle?

Steppe is also rather uncommon in the UAE, Eastern Imperial much more regular.

 

[Muppit17]

For me too.
Sandgrouses should be Pin-tailed on appearance.

The common sandgrouse in Dubai used to Chestnut bellied, until the number of introduced Pin-tailed Sandgrouse increased.

I would expect to see something of the white belly and underwing if Pin-tailed

 

[lou salomon]

The common sandgrouse in Dubai used to Chestnut bellied, until the number of introduced Pin-tailed Sandgrouse increased.

I would expect to see something of the white belly and underwing if Pin-tailed

There are only upperparts visible, Muppit. And look at the peculiar wing pattern. Chestnut-bellied would have blackish outer wing, these show the mustard coloured inner wing patch (with black stripes formed by feather tips) and a greyish outer wing.

 

[Muppit17]

There are only upperparts visible, Muppit. And look at the peculiar wing pattern. Chestnut-bellied would have blackish outer wing, these show the mustard coloured inner wing patch (with black stripes formed by feather tips) and a greyish outer wing.

I am not sure was is real and what is artifice on these photos so I am not prepared to say one way or another. The outerwings on the upper side are dark and have white flashes on the tips of the outer secondaries. The second photo seems to have a dark underwing?

From my experience both species show a mustard coloured inner wing patch. The tail pattern is as good for Chestnut bellied as it is for Pin-tailed. The upper wing white flashes are a feature of CB. However, I didn't suggest an clear preference of one over the other and still cant as the images are too blurry for me.

 

[njlarsen]

There are three birds on the first image, of which the right hand one shows some white which may be flanks below the wings?
Niels

 

[Mergus1]

Thanks a lot guys! Imperial eagle looks good, checked some more pictures of the bird. For the sand grouse I´ve attached some more pics, but pin tailed looks good right?

 

[Desertwildlifeme]

Hi I’m late to the party
Pintailed Sand Grouse Ph 1/2
Bonelli’s Eagle ph5
Imperial eagle ph4
Likely Western Marsh harrier ph3

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[lou salomon]

Hi I’m late to the party
Pintailed Sand Grouse Ph 1/2
Bonelli’s Eagle ph5
Imperial eagle ph4
Likely Western Marsh harrier ph3

Feel free to join my group on FB

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just that 5 is an Oriental Honey Buzzard

 

[Desertwildlifeme]

just that 5 is an Oriental Honey Buzzard

Western Marsh Harriet - OBH should have an uniform upper wing

 

[tconzemi]

Western Marsh Harriet - OBH should have an uniform upper wing

Please have a second look at the numbering: UAE-5 is clearly an OHB seen from below. UAE-3 is Marsh Harrier