Red Kite vs Rough-legged Buzzard

In short

The Red Kite is distinguished by its deeply forked tail and longer, more pointed wings, while the Rough-legged Buzzard has broader wings and a less pronounced tail fork. Red Kites are more rufous overall, with a whitish-gray head, whereas Rough-legged Buzzards exhibit significant plumage variation, including light and dark morphs.

Identification tips

1. Look for the deeply forked tail of the Red Kite. 2. Note the rufous coloration and whitish-gray head of the Red Kite. 3. Observe the broad wings and plumage variation in Rough-legged Buzzard, including light and dark morphs.

Size

Red Kite is generally larger with longer wings and tail compared to the Rough-legged Buzzard.

Plumage

Red Kite is more rufous with a whitish-gray head and dark streaks, while Rough-legged Buzzard shows a wide range of plumage from light to dark morphs.

Habitat

Red Kite occupies open habitats across Europe, such as woodlands and farmland, while Rough-legged Buzzard breeds in taiga and tundra, migrating to open areas in winter.