Buzzards, Common or otherwise
28 May 2010
Late May / early June is a classic period to look for Honey-buzzards as they display at a few localities or drift over from the Continent; several reports have already come in to BirdTrack in recent weeks. Raptor identification is not without its pitfalls; (Common) Buzzards have already begun to moult wing and tail feathers, which can alter the appearance of the wings in relation to the tail, potentially resulting in the tail appearing longer (a feature often used to identify Honey-buzzards). It is therefore important to look at the full range of both structural and plumage features, with particular focus on the detail of the tail and underwing pattern.
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