Crested Honey Buzzard? - Istanbul (1 Viewer)

[babuccu]

hi. honey buzzard migration has kicked off here and i have been observing them. today an individual has drawn my attention in a small flock. despite flying at almost the same altitude, regarding individual was significantly bigger in size, compared to the other individuals in the flock. fingers are also big, though i am not sure 5 or 6. underwing lines are also seem to be okay with the crested however i am not capable of doing a proper identification with the details i know. could you please comment if this bird is a crested or a honey buzzard? thanks.

 

[Valéry Schollaert]

Well, the plumage might be interesting but I see the shape of a Western HB here, notably with 5 fingers indeed. I've no experience of hybrids though. I would exclude a pure Crested.

 

[CARERY]

To me it looks like an adult female European Honey Buzzard. The dark carpal patches should exclude CHB. Don't know whether a hybrid could be discussed though...

 

[Jinac]

To me it looks young Eurpoean Honey Buzzart, as far as I know the brown color correponds to juvenile of European and Crested but the stains on the wrists and the 4 black lines point to European HB (CHB get 5 or 6)

 

[lou salomon]

it's an adult bird.

 

[babuccu]

thanks to everyone for the valuable comments

 

[Jinac]

it*s an adult bird.

Ok, what i've missed ? How we know that ?

 

[Valéry Schollaert]

Ok, what i've missed ? How we know that ?

The irregular trailing edge ("bord de fuite" in French) shows that the bird moulted in his life, thus he can't be a juvie. Black line on the same trailing edge is also a good sign of adults, specifically in buzzards (Pernis and Buteo).

 

[Jinac]

ok thanks