Upland Buzzard

The Upland Buzzard is a large, broad-winged Buteo with long wings and a relatively long tail. Plumage is highly variable, but pale birds commonly show a whitish head, a darker belly and carpal patches, and a pale tail crossed by a dark terminal band. Dark morphs can be almost uniformly brown. In flight it frequently holds the wings in a strong dihedral, and its extensive soaring and regular hovering are useful behavioural clues when plumage is difficult to judge. (Wikipedia, Upland Buzzard account)

This buzzard belongs to open high country, nesting mainly between 1,000 and 4,500 metres in alpine meadow, upland steppe and plateau landscapes, while also hunting over rocky grassland and cultivated ground. It may descend much lower during winter and has been recorded above 5,000 metres. Hunting birds soar, hover or watch from a perch before taking small mammals; pikas, voles and other rodents are prominent prey. Mongolia is within its core range, and local abundance rises where prey is concentrated. (Wikipedia, Upland Buzzard account)