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==Distribution== | ==Distribution== | ||
[[Image:LLB B078086 copy.jpg|thumb|350px|right|Photo by {{user|A.+Meir|A. Meir}}<br />Photographed at Eilat, [[Israel]]]] | [[Image:LLB B078086 copy.jpg|thumb|350px|right|Photo by {{user|A.+Meir|A. Meir}}<br />Photographed at Eilat, [[Israel]]]] | ||
| − | Breeds in [[Europe]], [[Middle East]], northern [[Africa]], and [[Asia]] to [[India]] and [[Mongolia]]; winters to Africa south of Sahara. In Europe found in [[Turkey]], [[Greece]], [[Romania]], [[Bulgaria]], [[Hungary]] and increasingly through the south of Spain, where it is already breeding in small numbers. | + | Breeds in [[Europe]], [[Middle East]], northern [[Africa]], and [[Asia]] to [[India]] and [[Mongolia]]; winters to Africa south of Sahara. In Europe found in [[Turkey]], [[Greece]], [[Romania]], [[Bulgaria]], [[Hungary]] and increasingly through the south of [[Spain]], where it is already breeding in small numbers. |
==Taxonomy== | ==Taxonomy== | ||
Revision as of 17:33, 25 August 2015
- Buteo rufinus
Identification
60-65cm. Plumage pattern very variable. Orangey hue to plumage. Red or orange tail, creamy-buff head and largely white underwings.
Similar Species
Immature birds are virtually indistinguishable from Common Buzzard. In the Asian part of its range, Upland Buzzard needs to be considered.
Distribution
Breeds in Europe, Middle East, northern Africa, and Asia to India and Mongolia; winters to Africa south of Sahara. In Europe found in Turkey, Greece, Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary and increasingly through the south of Spain, where it is already breeding in small numbers.
Taxonomy
Two subspecies are recognized:
- B.f. ruffinus -- this is the northern subspecies
- B.f. cirtensis -- northern Africa to the Arabian Peninsula.
Habitat
Open, uncultivated areas, with high bushes, trees, cliffs or hillocks.
Behaviour
Diet
Diet includes small rodents, although it will also take lizards, snakes, small birds and large insects.
Vocalisation
<flashmp3>Buteo rufinus (song).mp3</flashmp3>
Listen in an external program
References
- Wikipedia
- Collins Bird Guide 5th Edition
- Paper describing identification features of Long-legged vs Upland Buzzards
