European Honey-buzzard Bird Details
Pernis apivorus
European Honey-buzzard
Madhumakkhi Chil
Carl Linnaeus in 1758
Accipitriformes (HAWKS, EAGLES and KITES)
Accipitridae
Pernis
UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and parts of Eastern Europe, including Poland and the Balkans.
Appearance :
The European Honey-buzzard has a rather distinctive appearance with a pale underbelly and a slightly barred breast. The head is relatively small with a short, hooked beak. The wings are broad and rounded, and the tail is long with a characteristic pattern of bands. Their plumage can vary from pale to dark brown. Juveniles are generally more mottled and darker compared to adults.
Behaviour :
Known for its specialized diet, the Honey-buzzard primarily feeds on honeybees, wasps, and their larvae, which it extracts from nests. It is also known to prey on other insects and occasionally small vertebrates.
Habitat :
Prefers mature deciduous or mixed woodlands for breeding. During migration and in winter, they can be found in various forested areas and open landscapes.
Diet :
Primarily feeds on honeybee larvae and wasps. They are also known to consume other insects, small rodents, and occasionally birds.
Conservation Status :
Least Concern
Distribution :
Breeds in Europe, ranging from the UK and Ireland to Eastern Europe and parts of Scandinavia. During migration, they travel through southern Europe and the Middle East to winter in Africa.
Population Size :
Estimates vary, but the European Honey-buzzard has a population of several hundred thousand pairs across Europe.
Life Span :
Live up to 10-15 years.
Body And Tarsus:
- Body: The European Honey-buzzard is a medium-sized raptor known for its sleek, slender body adapted for hunting insects.
- Tarsus Length: Approximately 7-8 cm (2.8-3.1 inches). The tarsus is covered with feathers and is relatively slender compared to some other raptors.
Head And Bill :
- Head: The head is relatively small and rounded with a short, hooked beak. The eyes are large and dark, adapted for keen vision.
- Bill: The bill is short, hooked, and designed for tearing apart prey. It has a slightly curved shape that aids in its specialized diet.
- Bill Length: Approximately 2.5-3 cm (1-1.2 inches).
Length :
Typically 46-54 cm (18-21 inches) from beak to tail.
Neck :
The neck is relatively short and robust, supporting the head while allowing flexibility for hunting and foraging.
Size :
Medium-sized raptor. Males are generally smaller than females. Females can be about 5-10% larger in size compared to males.
Tail Details :
- Tail: The tail is long and relatively narrow, with a distinctive pattern of bands. It is often used for steering during flight.
- Tail Length: Approximately 22-26 cm (8.7-10.2 inches).
Weight :
Males typically weigh between 500-750 grams (1.1-1.7 lbs), while females are slightly heavier, weighing between 700-1,000 grams (1.5-2.2 lbs).
Wing :
The wings are broad and rounded, adapted for soaring and gliding. They have a distinctive, slightly "fingered" appearance at the tips.
Wing Span :
Approximately 125-150 cm (49-59 inches).
Facial Feature :
The European Honey-buzzard has a relatively small, rounded head with a distinct facial pattern. The face is often pale with a noticeable dark eye and a slight dark line extending from the beak.
Nest Details :
- Nest: The nest is usually built in the fork of a tree, often in dense woodlands. It is constructed at a considerable height, sometimes up to 15-20 meters (49-66 feet) above the ground.
- Nest Construction: The nest is made up of sticks and twigs, lined with finer materials like leaves, feathers, and moss. The materials are gathered by the birds and arranged to create a sturdy and comfortable structure.
Breeding Season :
Typically from late April to early August.
Nesting Season :
The nesting season coincides with the breeding period.
Egg Color :
he eggs are typically pale blue or greenish-blue, sometimes with speckles or spots, which can vary in color and density.
Egg Length :
Approximately 4.5-5 cm (1.8-2 inches).
Egg Width and Weight :
- Egg Width: Approximately 3.5-4 cm (1.4-1.6 inches).
- Egg Weight: Around 40-50 grams (1.4-1.8 ounces) each.
Clutch Size :
Generally 2-3 eggs per clutch.
No. of Broods :
Usually 1 brood per breeding season.
Incubation Period :
About 32-34 days.
Nestling Period :
Approximately 40-45 days
Vocalization :
The European Honey-buzzard has a variety of calls, including a distinctive, drawn-out "pee pee pee" or "pee pee pee pee" which is often described as a wailing or whistling sound. The calls are used in communication between mates and in territorial displays.
Sex Demorphism :
Females are generally larger and heavier than males.
Migration Details :
The European Honey-buzzard is a migratory species. It breeds in Europe and migrates to Africa for the winter. Migration typically occurs from late August to September for the journey south and returns to Europe from March to April.
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