2 raptors, Balang Shan, China, 2nd may 2008 (1 Viewer)

[temmie]

Can somebody confirm/comment:

Buzzard (Upland or possible Long-legged?)

Goshawk (Northern or possible crested?)

cheers, B
Lieven

 

[tyrannulet]

1) I would guess upland (going off of the raptors of the world, long-legged should not be anywhere near there.)

2)would go with northern


(this is based upon a book, so I could be wrong)

 

[temmie]

Thanks, tyrannulet, but can someone comment why it should be 100% positive ID of Upland and Northern?

 

[edenwatcher]

Accipiter is not northern goshawk and I don't think it's crested either. Looks more like eurasian sparrowhawk.
see http://orientalbirdimages.org/birdi...898&Bird_Image_ID=15724&Bird_Family_ID=96&p=8
Buzzard looks more like a common type - Himalayan buzzard (burmanicus)? but not sure.


Rob

 

[CAU]

I agree with Rob, Eurasian Sparrowhawk and Common Buzzard. The CB has for example a classic underwing pattern with the pale median coverts contrasting strongly against the dark lesser and greater coverts.

 

[rockfowl]

Agreed, Eurasian Sparrowhawk and Common Buzzard

 

[temmie]

Thanks again, much clearer now!
Could that Buzzard also be steppe buzzard ssp. Vulpinus? It is quite reddish, tailfeathers are quite pale, and Common shouldn't be so far South-east?

Same question for the SH... Does look 100% Sparrowhawk, but does anybody know about range in Asia?

@ Rockfowl:
I loved the embedded youtube on your website; it reminds me so much of the views I had on the top of Balang Shan

 

[JANJ]

I agree with Rob, Eurasian Sparrowhawk and Common Buzzard. The CB has for example a classic underwing pattern with the pale median coverts contrasting strongly against the dark lesser and greater coverts.

..and a pale breast band and lacking dark 'trousers'

JanJ

 

[James Eaton]

I would not expect Upland Buzzard to occur at Balang Shan either - still in the mountains here. I have only recorded them further north/north-west once you hit the grasslands at Hongyuan.

Eurasian Sparrowhawk is a common breeder throughout most of Sichuan, particular inside Wolong National Park (which Balang Shan is in).