Philippine Honey-buzzard
NamePhilippine Honey-buzzard
Common NamePhilippine Honey-buzzard
Scientific NamePernis steerei
FamilyAccipitridae
Wingspan (cm)120
Length (cm)55
Weight (g)850
Plumage DetailsAdults have a pale, often whitish head with a noticeable crest. The upperparts are dark brown, while the underparts are whitish with variable dark barring or spotting, particularly on the breast and belly. The tail features broad dark bands, and the eyes are typically yellow.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a series of high-pitched whistles or a drawn-out, somewhat mournful 'kweee-ah' or 'pee-oo' call.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeEndemic to the Philippines, found across various islands including Luzon, Mindanao, Samar, Leyte, Negros, and Panay, inhabiting tropical and subtropical moist lowland and montane forests.
Identifying FeaturesProminent crest on the nape, Pale head contrasting with darker body, Yellow eyes, Specialized diet of wasp and bee larvae, Distinctive flight profile with slightly bowed wings
Description
This medium-sized raptor is characterized by its relatively small head and a prominent crest, often visible as ruffled feathers on the nape. It is a specialized predator, primarily feeding on the larvae and pupae of social wasps and bees.
