Honey-buzzard sp, Kazakhstan (1 Viewer)

[Sherpa]

Seen today just east of Korgalzin (west of Astana). European, Crested or hybrid. Any help very welcome.

 

[Sherpa]

 

[Sherpa]

 

[dwatsonbirder]

The location of the band on the remiges, the 5 "obvious" primary "fingers" and lack of obviously large, dark subterminal bar on tail suggest EHB over OHB, but more images would be helpful to check these plumage features.
It's a cracking photo btw!

edit; with additional photos the dark carpal and thin subterminal tail band suggest EHB, doesn't look broad winged enough for a hybrid in addition to the above mentioned features.

 

[Sherpa]

 

[tconzemi]

To me it looks regular adult female European: barring on primaries and secondaries, long tail, 6th finger OK for European, iris colour

 

[Sherpa]

Fantastic. Thank you guys. A tricky id for me.

 

[TheBlackGrouse]

Thinking about it, I have my doubts about the large gap between the dark trailing edge and the barring on the underwing. The tail banding fits both sexes. That said, the upperparts are female. Then it's probably an old female European Honey Buzzard, according to Forsman.

 

[James Eaton]

I agree with comments above - European Honeybuzzard - I'm always surprised when I see EHB, how lightweight and well-proportioned they appear compared to OHB, even in photos.
I've spent quite a bit of time in that area of the steppe, and not seen OHB - would be a nice vagrnt record. I see OHB regularly in southeast Kazakhstan but not elsewhere in the country.

James