Crested/Oriental Honey-buzzard Bird Details
Pernis ptilorhynchus
Crested/Oriental Honey-buzzard
Pankha Baaz
Coenraad Jacob Temminck, 1821
Accipitriformes (HAWKS, EAGLES and KITES)
Accipitridae
Pernis
India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, China, Japan, and Korea.
Appearance :
The Oriental Honey-buzzard is a medium-sized raptor with a distinctive appearance. It has a broad, rounded wingspan and a long, slender tail. Its plumage is typically mottled brown with a pale, almost white underbelly. The crested variation features a noticeable crest of feathers on its head. The bird has a strong, hooked beak and large talons adapted for its diet.
Behaviour :
This bird is known for its solitary nature outside of the breeding season. It is typically seen soaring high in the sky or gliding in search of food. The Oriental Honey-buzzard is known for its impressive migratory patterns and can cover long distances during migration.
Habitat :
The Oriental Honey-buzzard inhabits a variety of forested environments including deciduous and mixed forests. It prefers areas with large trees and open spaces nearby. During the breeding season, it tends to stay in forested areas but migrates to open areas or less dense forests in winter.
Diet :
Its diet mainly consists of insects, especially bees and wasps. The bird has evolved specialized adaptations to handle its diet, such as a thick and strong bill and digestive system to process stinging insects. Occasionally, it may consume small vertebrates and other invertebrates.
Conservation Status :
Least Concern
Distribution :
The bird is distributed across parts of Asia including India, China, Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asia. Its range spans from the Indian subcontinent to the eastern parts of Asia.
Population Size :
The exact population size is not well-documented, but the species is generally considered to be common within its range.
Life Span :
Live up to 15 years or more.
Body And Tarsus:
- Body: Medium-sized raptor with a robust build.
- Tarsus Length: Approximately 7.5–8.5 cm.
Head And Bill :
- Head: Slightly rounded with a characteristic crest of feathers, giving it a distinctive look.
- Bill, Bill Length: The bill is moderately hooked and measures around 3.5–4.0 cm.
Length :
Typically 50–60 cm.
Neck :
Relatively short compared to the overall body length.
Size :
Medium-sized compared to other raptors, with males generally being smaller than females.
Tail Details :
- Tail: Long and tapered with a broad base, often marked with bands of color.
- Tail Length: Approximately 25–30 cm.
Weight :
Males weigh around 600–800 grams, while females are slightly heavier, around 800–1,000 grams.
Wing :
Long and broad wings with a slightly rounded tip, adapted for soaring.
Wing Span :
About 130–150 cm.
Facial Feature :
The Oriental Honey-buzzard has a distinct, relatively small head with a hooked beak. It has a characteristic crest on the top of its head that is more pronounced in males. The face is generally pale with a dark eye.
Nest Details :
- Nest: The nest is usually built in a tree, often at a height of 10 to 20 meters (33 to 66 feet) above the ground. It is constructed in a fork of a large branch or a horizontal branch.
- Nest Made Up Of: The nest is made from sticks and twigs, and often lined with softer materials like leaves and feathers to provide a comfortable environment for the eggs and chicks.
Breeding Season :
Typically occurs between May and July.
Nesting Season :
Usually aligns with the breeding period.
Egg Color :
Eggs are generally pale blue or greenish-blue, sometimes with light speckling or blotching.
Egg Length :
Approximately 55 to 60 mm.
Egg Width and Weight :
- Egg Width: Approximately 43 to 46 mm.
- Egg Weight: Around 50 to 60 grams.
Clutch Size :
Usually 1 to 2 eggs.
No. of Broods :
Typically one brood per breeding season.
Incubation Period :
About 35 to 40 days.
Nestling Period :
Approximately 50 to 55 days.
Vocalization :
Its call is a distinctive series of whistles or a "pee-pee-pee" sound, often heard during the breeding season or while in flight.
Sex Demorphism :
Males generally being slightly smaller and having a less pronounced crest compared to females.
Migration Details :
The Oriental Honey-buzzard is migratory in its range.
Migration Timing: Migration usually occurs in two main periods:
- Autumn Migration: From late August to October, when the birds leave their breeding grounds to head south for the winter.
- Spring Migration: From March to May, when they return to their breeding grounds.
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