12 May 2015

Steppe Buzzard near Tabuk – Bird records by Viv Wilson

Steppe Buzzard Buteo Buteo vulpinus is an uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor that pass in March and April and again in September and October, merging with the occasional and sparse winter visitors which may appear in any or all months between the spring and autumn movements. In the Eastern Province they are scarce with birds seen in the coastal zone between February and March with immatures noted from April to early June. Recorded rarely in July and August and more often from September through January with small peaks in February & November suggesting some passage movement. Many birds fly down the western side of the country with North Yemen an important flyway for the species with 862 recorded between 14 October and 3 December 1985. The bird below appears to be a juvenile (2nd calendar year) showing mottled inner primaries with black tips and a barred juvenile tail.
Steppe Buzzard

Steppe Buzzard

Steppe Buzzard

Steppe Buzzard