Steppe buzzards are not always easy to distinguish from individuals of the nominal subspecies. Also because of the large overlap area in Eastern Europe where several birds show intermediate characters between the two subspecies. Therefore, here in the Central Mediterranean area, it's a kind of satisfaction when you catch the sight of a buzzard that clearly is a vulpinus. In the picture below a shot of an individual migrating at the island of Marettimo (Western Sicily). It is possible to identify it thanks to the distinct trailing edge, the fine barring remiges and the subterminal tail-band typical of adult individuals.
