• Welcome to BirdForum, the internet's largest birding community with thousands of members from all over the world. The forums are dedicated to wild birds, birding, binoculars and equipment and all that goes with it.

    Please register for an account to take part in the discussions in the forum, post your pictures in the gallery and more.
ZEISS DTI thermal imaging cameras. For more discoveries at night, and during the day.

ID of raptor from Central Asia - saker? (1 Viewer)

Perangua

Member
Albania
Please help me identify this raptor from Central Asia - saker falcon (F.cherrug) or long-legged buzzard (B.rufinus)? It was too distant and couldn't see it in flight.
IMG_5551.jpg
I am not familiar with the varieties/subspecies from this region, but should be much more pallid than the European ones. Any ID clues would be very appreciated.
IMG_5546.jpg


IMG_5547.jpg
 
Last edited:
I would expect a darker trousers in LLB, so Saker for me, but unexpectedly difficult question
I agree for LLB although I have seen some pale ones this year in Uzbekistan. Also not sure that even Steppe Buzzard can be excluded.

I also can't tell if the slight moustachial mark is real or artifice
 
The photos were done in early June next to the Kyzylkum desert. There are no trees around, so I wouldn´t expect Steppe Buzzard.
Can there be any LLB with so light trousers?
 
The photos were done in early June next to the Kyzylkum desert. There are no trees around, so I wouldn´t expect Steppe Buzzard.
Can there be any LLB with so light trousers?
Steppe Buzzard were still moving through the southern Kyzylkum in the last week of May. So not sure on the 'impossibility' of SB.

Light phase LLB tend to still have contrasting 'trousers' so I would be surprised.

I think that if we are struggling between a buteo & a falcon, then it is best left as indeterminate
 
Warning! This thread is more than 2 years ago old.
It's likely that no further discussion is required, in which case we recommend starting a new thread. If however you feel your response is required you can still do so.

Users who are viewing this thread

Back
Top