| Author | Content |
MargaretK
PERTH
Australia
May 27, 2012 7:18 PM Post #9141093
| Five images of a raptor at the coast. I can't determine if it's a square-tailed kite, a black-breasted buzzard or a whistling kite. Any help with identification appreciated.
Click an image for an enlarged view.
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minnesippi
Oakdale, MN (Zone 4a)
May 27, 2012 7:36 PM Post #9141113
| looks like a spotted harrier |
Resin
Northumberland
United Kingdom (Zone 9a)
May 28, 2012 3:05 PM Post #9142198
| It's a kite; my very strong inclination is to say Black Kite (mapped as wintering in the Perth area), but that's with my usual proviso that I'm not familiar with Australian natives and don't have an Aussie field guide, so only going by online pic searches. Square-tailed I'd think can be excluded as that has much more obvious barring on the primaries, and Whistling I'd think can be excluded as that has a rounded (not triangular-cornered) tail and prominent very pale inner primaries. Black-breasted Buzzard has a much heavier bill, and also white bases to its primaries.
Resin
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MargaretK
PERTH
Australia
May 28, 2012 4:20 PM Post #9142296
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Thank you both.
Minnesippi. I had a close look at the spotted harrier and it seems a less bulky than this bird and this one's legs weren't prominent in flight.
Resin. I'm planning on going back down there this morning and will see if I can get some clearer shots. I just couldn't narrow it down from my ID books, but you're right about the triangular cornered tail. |
MargaretK
PERTH
Australia
May 28, 2012 10:49 PM Post #9142625
| I went back this morning and took some more shots. 
Click an image for an enlarged view.
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MargaretK
PERTH
Australia
May 28, 2012 10:51 PM Post #9142626
| The legs are pale grey and are tucked in during flight, only extending when they were coming down towards the water, which they touched with the tips of their claws before flying skyward again. 
Click an image for an enlarged view.
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Resin
Northumberland
United Kingdom (Zone 9a)
May 29, 2012 1:57 PM Post #9143642
| The new photos are a different bird (or birds!) - these are a Whistling Kite, compare the rounded tail with the triangular tail in pics 2 & 4 in the top post; also the difference in the pale inner primaries not shown in the first set, and the streaked, rather than spotted, breast.
Resin
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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OldNed
Merritt Island, FL (Zone 10a)
May 29, 2012 4:22 PM Post #9143870
| Ditto to Resin on the 2nd bird..def. a Whistling Kite.
My guess on bird #1 is either Black Kite or a juvie Square-tailed Kite (beginning of white on the face?). |
MargaretK
PERTH
Australia
May 29, 2012 10:55 PM Post #9144294
| Thanks, Resin and Old Ned. That shows the differences very clearly Resin. I did notice the difference in the tails, and wondered if I was seeing two different birds, but didn't pursue that thought any further. I didn't notice the wings - I just thought I'd captured more detail because I was closer. |
