Long-legged Buzzard vs Alpine Chough

In short

The Long-legged Buzzard and Alpine Chough are easily distinguished by their size and structure. The buzzard is a large raptor with broad wings and a robust build, while the chough is a smaller, more agile bird with a slender body and distinctively curved yellow bill.

Identification tips

1. Size and Structure: Look for the buzzard's larger size and broad wings compared to the chough's smaller, more streamlined body. 2. Bill Shape: The chough's yellow, curved bill is unique and a key identifier. 3. Plumage: Note the buzzard's variable brown tones versus the chough's uniform black. 4. Habitat: Consider the environment; buzzards prefer open lowland areas, while choughs are found in high-altitude regions. 5. Behavior and Flight: Buzzards soar, while choughs perform agile, acrobatic flights.

Size

The Long-legged Buzzard is significantly larger, with a wingspan that can exceed 130 cm, compared to the Alpine Chough's wingspan of about 75 cm.

Plumage

The buzzard has variable plumage but often shows a mix of browns and rufous tones, with a paler underbody. The chough is uniformly glossy black with no color variation.

Behaviour

The buzzard is often seen soaring high in the sky, while the chough is more likely to be observed in flocks, performing acrobatic flights near cliffs or alpine meadows.

Habitat

Long-legged Buzzards are found in open landscapes like steppes and semi-deserts, whereas Alpine Choughs inhabit high-altitude mountainous regions, often above the tree line.

Voice

The buzzard's call is a typical raptor scream, whereas the chough has a distinctive, high-pitched 'chee-ow' call.