European Honey Buzzard — Полина Полежанкина · CC_BY_4_0 via GBIF

European Honey Buzzard

Pernis apivorus

鹃头蜂鹰

IUCN: Least Concern China: Level II Found in China

Introduction

A bird of prey in the family Accipitridae. It is a summer migrant to the western Palearctic, breeding from most of Europe east to southwestern Siberia (likely to the Tomsk-Novosibirsk-Barnaul area), and winters in tropical Africa. It inhabits woodland and exotic plantations. A specialist predator of wasp and hornet larvae and nests, it is the only known predator of the invasive Asian hornet. Unusually for a large raptor, the sexes are distinguishable by plumage: males have blue-grey heads while females have brown heads.

Description

A medium-large raptor, 52-60 cm long with a 135-150 cm wingspan. It appears long-necked with a small head and soars on flat wings. The tail is longer than in Buteo buzzards, typically showing two narrow dark bars and a broad dark subterminal bar. Sexual dimorphism is pronounced: the male has a blue-grey head while the female has a brown head and is slightly larger and darker overall. The head protrudes forward with a slight kink in flight. The call is a clear peee-lu.

Identification

Larger and longer-winged than the common buzzard, with a more pronounced head projection and kink. The tail has fewer bars (typically two narrow bars versus several in common buzzard). In soaring flight, wings are held straight with tips horizontal or slightly downcast, sometimes showing an angular chest similar to a sparrowhawk. Sexes are readily distinguished by head color. Juveniles resemble common buzzards, likely as Batesian mimicry against predation by goshawks.

Distribution & Habitat

Breeds across most of Europe east to southwestern Siberia, wintering in tropical Africa. Inhabits woodland and exotic plantations throughout its range. A long-distance migrant using magnetic orientation and visual memory of geographical features such as mountain ranges and rivers. It avoids large water expanses, concentrating at narrow crossing points including the Gibraltar Strait, Messina Strait, Bosphorus, and Israel during migration.

Behavior & Ecology

Forages primarily for wasp and hornet larvae and nests, excavating them on the forest floor. It possesses long toes and claws adapted for digging, plus scale-like facial feathering as protection against stings. The diet also includes small mammals, reptiles, and birds. Breeds in woodland, producing clutches of typically two eggs. Mating displays feature wing-clapping. Territorial males are fierce defenders. In vegetation, it flies low and perches mid-canopy, often cocking its head to inspect surroundings. Flight between branches involves single wing-flaps producing loud claps.

Conservation

Not evaluated on the IUCN Red List as of the available data. Protected under various national wildlife legislation across European range countries. The British population is an uncommon breeder but increasing as a migrant.

Culture

Historically considered a winter delicacy in Europe. Nineteenth-century texts describe it as frequently caught in winter and described as 'fat and delicious eating.' Today it receives full legal protection across European nations.

Source: Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0