European Honey-buzzard
NameEuropean Honey-buzzard
Common NameEuropean Honey-buzzard
Scientific NamePernis apivorus
FamilyAccipitridae
Wingspan (cm)122.5
Length (cm)56
Weight (g)750
Plumage DetailsAdults typically have brown upperparts and a grayish head, with yellow eyes. The underparts can vary, often being paler with barring or mottling. The cere is dark, and the legs are yellow with strong talons.
Vocalization / CallOften silent, but has a distinctive whistling call, a drawn-out 'pee-ee-wee', and a 'klee-yew' call, particularly during breeding season.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest, grassland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds across most of Europe and western Asia, migrating to tropical Africa for the winter months.
Identifying Featuresrelatively small head, long tail, yellow eyes, greyish head (especially males), distinctive flight with deep wing beats, soars with wings in slight dihedral
Description
The European Honey-buzzard is a medium-sized migratory raptor known for its specialized diet of social insect larvae and pupae. It has a relatively small head and a long tail, often seen soaring with wings held in a slight dihedral.
