Pernis ptilorhynchus
The Crested Honey Buzzard (Pernis ptilorhynchus) is a captivating medium-sized raptor, typically measuring 50-60 cm in length with an impressive wingspan of 120-150 cm and a weight ranging from 750-1500 grams. Its plumage is remarkably polymorphic, generally displaying brownish-grey upperparts and paler underparts with variable barring or streaking, always featuring distinctive dark carpal patches on the underwing. Key identification marks include its relatively small, often crested head (esp...
Primarily inhabits deciduous and mixed broadleaf forests, woodlands, and forest edges, often near open areas for foraging, ranging from lowlands up to moderate mountain elevations.
Specializes in consuming larvae, pupae, and adults of wasps and bees, along with honey; supplements its diet with other insects, small reptiles, amphibians, and occasionally fruits like berries. Primarily forages by digging out subterranean nests or tearing open arboreal nests.
The Crested Honey Buzzard is a diurnal raptor, dedicating significant time to methodically foraging. Its exceptional foraging strategy involves precisely locating nests of wasps and bees, often by observing adult insects. Once a nest is found, whether subterranean or arboreal, the buzzard skillfu...
The Crested Honey Buzzard boasts an expansive breeding range across the East Palearctic, stretching from central and eastern Siberia, across Mongolia, northern and central China, Korea, and Japan. Its distribution continues southward into the Indian subcontinent, including northern India and Sri ...
Least Concern
- The Crested Honey Buzzard possesses unique dense, scale-like feathers on its face and around its eyes, offering crucial protection against painful stings from its insect prey. - Its nostrils are particularly small and slit-like, an adaptation to prevent debris and venom from entering while exca...