Upland Buzzard

Identification

The upland buzzard is the largest member of the Buteo genus, with a total length of 57 to 72 cm and a wingspan of 143 to 161 cm. It is a conspicuously large and long-winged buzzard with a relatively long tail and fairly eagle-like proportions compared to related species. The bird occurs in both pale and dark morphs. Pale morph birds are generally beige and earthy dark brown, with a whitish chest contrasted by dark brown areas on the lower breast and abdomen, dark flanks and belly, and a greyish tail with dark bands. In flight, pale morphs show variable major coverts with a distinctive strong blackish patagium mark and whitish flight feathers with dark barring. Dark morph birds are almost entirely solid black-brown throughout. A characteristic feature is heavily feathered "trousers" covering at least three-quarters of the legs, rivalling the ferruginous hawk and rough-legged buzzards in insulation.

The upland buzzard is often confused with the similar long-legged buzzard, which overlaps in range and plumage. However, the upland species is slightly larger and lacks the warmer, rufous tones of the long-legged buzzard, typically showing more earthen brown coloration. The smaller Himalayan and eastern buzzards can be distinguished by their conspicuously smaller size and proportions, shorter wings and tails, and differently marked plumage with paler bellies and less strongly contrasting wing patterns. The upland buzzard's call is a prolonged nasal mewing similar to the common buzzard, though it vocalizes less frequently.

Range & Habitat

The upland buzzard inhabits mountainous grassy and rocky areas across Central Asia, northern South Asia, and East Asia, with its range extending from Kazakhstan to Korea. The central portion of its breeding range comprises much of Mongolia and China, particularly in western, northern, and northeastern areas of China. This little-known raptor has a large range and is generally uncommon throughout its distribution, though it is not thought to be rare or declining as a species.

The species is migratory but typically covers only short distances, apparently to avoid snow cover that may hamper prey capture. This short-distance migration strategy suggests movements within or between upland regions rather than long intercontinental journeys, keeping the bird in suitable habitat year-round.

Behaviour & Diet

The upland buzzard primarily subsists on small mammals, which form the bulk of its diet. However, this opportunistic predator does not shun alternate prey, including small to large birds and insects. This dietary flexibility allows the species to adapt to varying prey availability across its mountainous range.

Best Time & Places to See It

The upland buzzard's vast range across Central Asia, Mongolia, China, and East Asia offers multiple opportunities for observation, though the species is generally uncommon. The central breeding range in Mongolia and China, particularly in western, northern, and northeastern areas, represents the most likely regions to encounter this species. As a short-distance migrant, the buzzard's presence may vary seasonally depending on snow cover and prey availability.

Photography Tips

Photographing upland buzzards presents challenges due to their remote mountainous habitats and generally uncommon status. Look for birds perched on rocky outcrops or ridges in high-elevation terrain where they can scan for small mammals. The heavily feathered legs are a distinctive field mark worth capturing, as are the strongly contrasting wing patterns visible in flight, particularly the blackish patagium mark on pale morph birds. Be prepared for variable lighting conditions in mountainous regions and position yourself to capture the bird's large wingspan and eagle-like proportions. Dark morph individuals present particular challenges for identification and photography due to their uniform coloration.