Tajikistan...Peregrine or Saker? (1 Viewer)

[PhilSteiner]

I took these on 23 November near Khujand, Tajikistan. Struggling to differentiate whether this is a juvenile Peregrine or a Saker. (3rd photo shows it being chased by a Western Marsh Harrier). White tail edge and lack of dark trousers made me go with Peregrine in the field. Coloration seems quite brown though.

 

[DMW]

Looks like Saker to me.

 

[tconzemi]

Difficult bird indeed.
We can agree that it is a juvenile bird with yellow feet, which already excludes Saker
Other pro-Peregrine features are:
rather unconspicious markings below, especially on upper breast and underwing coverts, trousers very light
very long P10 (outer primary) which is shorter in Saker
Brown colour OK for some juvenile Peregrines
Unfortunately the photo quality (still great for a far flying falcon) does not allow to see if undertail coverts are marked with arrows (at least slightly in Peregrine)

 

[PhilSteiner]

Difficult bird indeed.
We can agree that it is a juvenile bird with yellow feet, which already excludes Saker
Other pro-Peregrine features are:
rather unconspicious markings below, especially on upper breast and underwing coverts, trousers very light
very long P10 (outer primary) which is shorter in Saker
Brown colour OK for some juvenile Peregrines
Unfortunately the photo quality (still great for a far flying falcon) does not allow to see if undertail coverts are marked with arrows (at least slightly in Peregrine)

Very helpful analysis! Thanks!