Odd Buzzard, Herts, UK (1 Viewer)

[flible]

You can tell by the pictures that this is a common buzzard. But the plumage is a bit odd, especially around the head. I also found the fully dark secondaries unusual for a common buzzard. It was photographed on the 23rd May 2012. I would be grateful for any opinions.

 

[Tiraya]

You can tell by the pictures that this is a common buzzard. But the plumage is a bit odd, especially around the head. I also found the fully dark secondaries unusual for a common buzzard. It was photographed on the 23rd May 2012. I would be grateful for any opinions.

Osprey :king:



Anyway, Buzzards and their close cousin the Red-tailed Hawk are known for being extremely variable. There must be like 100 different plumage patterns, probably more for this bird.

 

[flible]

still a little concerned about this raptor.

 

[KenM]

I agree...it does look distinctly odd!..particularly the (deep) dark underwing coverts, against the pale contrasting secondaries giving a ''Booted impression'', not really conforming to any ''classic'' underwing pattern...thus will be filed under..almost certain extreme variation of Buteo buteo.

cheers

 

[Cheshire Birder]

...it does look distinctly odd!......"Booted impression'' .....almost certain extreme variation of Buteo buteo.

I agree

CB

 

[Mark Batten]

Ditto.

 

[jpoyner]

The French name for Buteo buteo says it all....Buse Variable......