Rough-legged Buzzard? Berlin, Germany (1 Viewer)

[McHeath]

Is this a Rough-legged Buzzard? Seen gliding fast in large circles at a fair height over allotments and a wooded cemetery in Berlin, Germany.



I´m a bit confused by the white rump; is this a normal variation? Or are we looking at something else here?

Many thanks in advance,
Andrew

 

[Alexander Stöhr]

Hello Andrew,
first impression was: its a Common Kestrel. Long tail, narrow, kinked wings with sharp wingtip and shape of the body.
After enlarging the picture, I saw, that details are hard/ impossible to judge, but:

• pale tail with a single dark band at the end
• buffish-orange underparts
• paler underwing

Conclusion? I see nothing wrong for a Common Kestrel and shape is better than for others Falcons (Peregrine, Hobby, Merlin, RFF)

Edit: can I exclude a male Merlin with 100% confidence with these pictures (no offense!): No, but maybe others can?

 

[lou salomon]

yes, we can . it's a Common Kestrel. note for instance length of tail and wing shapes.

 

[Butty]

I´m a bit confused by the white rump

All these views are from underneath, so there's no rump visible here. I agree that it looks fine for kestrel.

 

[McHeath]

I'll accept Kestrel then! It looked to be bigger, but it was ca. 200m distant and my view was constantly being blocked by trees; the sun was also right behind me, probably making it look a lot whiter than it actually was.
Many thanks to all for your quick help!
Andrew