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.
CLOSED: Help. I'm stumped.
looks like a spotted harrier
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
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.
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?).
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.
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