Long-legged Buzzard
The Long-legged Buzzard is a bird of prey in the genus Buteo. It is similar in appearance to the Rough-legged Buzzard but it is larger and more robust.
The Long-legged Buzzard ranges from 20 to 26 inches in length with a wingspan of 45 to 63 inches. Females, at an average weight of 2.9 pounds, are larger than males, at an average of 2.4 pounds. There are many different colour forms but usually there is a clear orange tint to the plumage, red or orange tail, pale head and largely white underwings. There is usually a distinctive black carpal patch and dark trailing edge to the wing. The rump and "trousers" are often dark or deep rufous. Plumage varies from ghostly pale individuals to very dark ones.
The Long-legged Buzzard can be found on the dry open plains of north Africa, south east Europe, west and central Asia east to China and across central India. Open uncultivated areas with high bushes, trees, cliffs or hillocks are favoured as nesting areas. Younger birds disperse north of breeding grounds and there are records from north Europe.
The Long-legged Buzzard feeds mainly on small rodents although it will also take lizards, snakes, small birds and large insects.
Date: 13th May 2018
Location: Červen Brjag, Pleven Province, Bulgaria
The Long-legged Buzzard ranges from 20 to 26 inches in length with a wingspan of 45 to 63 inches. Females, at an average weight of 2.9 pounds, are larger than males, at an average of 2.4 pounds. There are many different colour forms but usually there is a clear orange tint to the plumage, red or orange tail, pale head and largely white underwings. There is usually a distinctive black carpal patch and dark trailing edge to the wing. The rump and "trousers" are often dark or deep rufous. Plumage varies from ghostly pale individuals to very dark ones.
The Long-legged Buzzard can be found on the dry open plains of north Africa, south east Europe, west and central Asia east to China and across central India. Open uncultivated areas with high bushes, trees, cliffs or hillocks are favoured as nesting areas. Younger birds disperse north of breeding grounds and there are records from north Europe.
The Long-legged Buzzard feeds mainly on small rodents although it will also take lizards, snakes, small birds and large insects.
Date: 13th May 2018
Location: Červen Brjag, Pleven Province, Bulgaria
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Also in: Bulgaria
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