Defining plumage characters of the ‘mystery’ buzzards
Due to the high variability in Buteo appearance, a suite of characters must be employed to identify a ‘mystery buzzard’ in the field, especially with the rapidly approaching return of the Steppe Buzzards.
Uniform morphs
Probably the most easily-defining character of the ‘mystery’ buzzards’ is the presence, and indeed majority of uniform-rufous or uniform-chocolate coloured birds. The uniformity can range from fully brown and red underparts, to mostly-uniform with just a pale ‘U’ on the breast. The lack of barring and/or spotting is the thing to remember here.Dark crown markings on a pale head
The majority of typical (and most recognisable) rufous ‘Elgin’ Buzzards feature a pale rufous head with noticeable dark markings across the crown and spreading sparsely down the back of the neck and onto the mantle.
Ochre scalloping on back/mantle/wing feathering
The birds have a varying amount of ochre/rufous scalloping on the feathering from the collar down the mantle, back and across the upperwing coverts (shoulders). 
Thick black trailing edge to secondaries
Most of the ‘mystery’ birds feature a thick black trailing edge to the underwing, as shown in the photos below. This is also present in Steppe Buzzard and Forest Buzzard, though appears to be more defined in the ‘mystery’ buzzard.
Lightly barred / plain upper-tail with dark subterminal band
The tail of the ‘mystery buzzard’ often (but not always) differs from Steppe Buzzard in being lightly barred, or not barred at all. It can be a deep ginger colour to a light grey, but always shows a thick and dark black subterminal band.
Small & ”cutesy” appearance
When perched, the ‘mystery’ buzzard can appear small, and has been described as ‘cutesy’. Despite this, the birds are in fact a similar size to average Forest/Steppe Buzzards.
Long-winged and long-tailed flight profile
In flight, a very noticeable feature of the ‘Elgin Buzzard’ is its long-winged and long-tailed appearance. It often soars with a closed tail and dark birds can appear almost Booted Eagle-esque. When kettling with Jackal or Steppe Buzzards, the ‘mystery buzzards’ will appear ‘slighter’, with longer, thinner wings and long often only slightly fanned tails.
