Steppe buzzard

The steppe buzzard (Buteo buteo vulpinus) is an eastern subspecies of the common buzzard, breeding across Eastern Europe and Central Asia and migrating long distances to winter in sub-Saharan Africa and parts of India. It is slightly smaller than the western form, but has longer wings and a longer tail, which help during migration. Its appearance varies greatly, ranging from reddish-brown to grey, though many individuals show a rufous (reddish) tail, which is a useful feature for identification. This bird prefers open habitats such as grasslands, farmlands, savannas, and open woodlands, and is often seen perched on fence posts, poles, or dead trees while scanning for prey. It is a skilled hunter, feeding on a wide range of animals including insects, small mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians, and sometimes carrion. It usually hunts by watching from a perch and then swooping down, but can also catch smaller prey in mid-air. Adaptable and widespread, the steppe buzzard is a familiar sight across its large migratory range.