Pallid or montagu harrier? in Kilimanjaro Tanzania (1 Viewer)

[beijingbabbler]

I watched this bird chase a black chested snake eagle. I believe this is a juvenile harrier, but I'm not sure which type. Photos aren't great, but maybe someone could narrow it down to species. Thanks!

 

[tconzemi]

Bkeached juveniles are sometimes very difficult, white around eye and primary pattern make me think Monty

 

[lou salomon]

looks Monty to me, too, but yet another one with 4 and a half fingers!

 

[beijingbabbler]

looks Monty to me, too, but yet another one with 4 and a half fingers!

Thanks for the help! I'm pretty new to birdwatching, what do you mean by 4 and a half fingers?

 

[Valéry Schollaert]

Thanks for the help! I'm pretty new to birdwatching, what do you mean by 4 and a half fingers?

He means that the 5th primary (green arrow) appears as a "finger" as the 4 first (red arrows), but shorter. Usually, Hen Harrier has 5 "fingers" but Montagu's and Pallied show 4 of them only (thus narrower wings).

 

[beijingbabbler]

He means that the 5th primary (green arrow) appears as a "finger" as the 4 first (red arrows), but shorter. Usually, Hen Harrier has 5 "fingers" but Montagu's and Pallied show 4 of them only (thus narrower wings).
View attachment 1573204

Interesting, thank you for the explanation!