Crested Honey Buzzard

The Crested Honey Buzzard (Pernis ptilorhynchus), a medium-sized raptor of the Accipitridae family, measures between 57–60 cm in length. Known also as the Oriental, Asiatic, or Eastern Honey Buzzard, this bird is distinguished by its diet, primarily the larvae of bees and wasps from honeycombs. It exhibits a unique elongated head and a groove in the tongue, specialized for its feeding habits. A dense feathering on the head and neck offers protection against stings.

Identification Tips

The Crested Honey Buzzard can be identified by its brown upperparts, paler underparts, and a dark throat stripe. Males have a blue-grey head with brown irises, while females have a brown head with yellow irises. The male's tail features two black bands, and the female's tail has three. In flight, the bird's long neck and small head, reminiscent of a pigeon, are noticeable. The juvenile resembles the Nisaetus hawk-eagles, a possible example of Batesian mimicry.

Habitat

This species favors well-forested regions with open spaces, thriving from sea level to elevations of 1,800 meters. It is adept at navigating both lowland and hilly terrains interspersed with glades.

Distribution

The Crested Honey Buzzard migrates to Siberia and Japan for breeding in the summer, while wintering in Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent. Some populations are year-round residents in these wintering areas.

Behaviour

The Crested Honey Buzzard is typically solitary or seen in pairs, often soaring or perched atop trees. It is generally silent, save for the occasional high-pitched whistle. Its flight is characterized by deep, elastic wingbeats and high upstrokes, with wings held flat or slightly arched.

Song & Calls

This species is relatively quiet, sometimes emitting a single, high-pitched screaming whistle.

Breeding

Breeding occurs in woodlands, with the bird remaining inconspicuous outside of its spring mating display, which includes wing clapping and roller coaster flights. The nest is a platform of sticks lined with leaves, and the female usually lays two variable-colored eggs.

Similar Species

Juvenile Crested Honey Buzzards may be confused with Nisaetus hawk-eagles due to their similar plumage, a potential case of Batesian mimicry.

Diet and Feeding

The Crested Honey Buzzard specializes in feeding on larvae from the nests of social bees and wasps, occasionally consuming other insects, small birds, reptiles, and frogs.

Conservation status

The IUCN lists the Crested Honey Buzzard as Least Concern, with an estimated population ranging from 100,000 to 1,000,000 individuals. However, climate change poses a potential threat to its migratory patterns due to changing wind conditions.