A large raptor of expansive open spaces such as steppe, pastures, and semi-deserts. Perches visibly on utility poles and snags. Especially abundant near marmot and pika colonies. Longer-winged and more heavily marked than smaller Eastern and Himalayan Buzzards, but identification can be challenging. Plumages include both light and dark morphs; both have a large dark patch on the underwing at the “wrist.” Dark morph is black with pale outer underwings (“hands”), and light morph is blotchy brown below, with dark tarsal feathers (“trousers”) reminiscent of Rough-legged Hawk.