(or Accipitriformes, q.v.) |Light green shows breeding range,
blue shows winter range, dark green is permanent range.| The
Long-legged Buzzard (Buteo rufinus) is a bird of prey. It is
similar in appearance to the Rough-legged Buzzard (Buteo
lagopus), but it is larger and more robust. This is one of the
largest species of Buteo. Length can range from 50 to 66 cm (20
to 26 in) and wingspan from 115 to 160 cm (45 to 63 in).
Females, at an average mass of 1.3 kg (2.9 lb), are larger than
males, at an average of 1.1 kg (2.4 lb). There are many
different colour forms, but usually Long-leggeds have a clear
orange tint to the plumage, red or orange tail, pale head and
largely white underwings. There is usually a distinctive black
carpal patch and dark trailing edge to the wing. The rump and
"trousers" are often dark or deep rufous. Plumage varies from
ghostly pale individuals to very dark ones. Some plumages are
almost similar to those of the Steppe Buzzard, the eastern
subspecies of the Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo v