European Honey-buzzard

Pernis apivorus

This hawk-like raptor is a master of deception, mimicking larger birds to scare off potential predators while specialising in hunting wasps and bees.
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Visual Identification

Appearance

The European Honey-buzzard is a large raptor with a distinctive small head and long, broad wings. Its plumage is highly variable, typically brown or greyish-brown above with barred underparts. The long tail has three dark bands.

Males often have a blue-grey head, while females are usually browner with a less distinct head colour. Juveniles show more uniform brown plumage with less barring.

In flight, careful observation will reveal that the wings are angled towards the rear on the leading edge from the alula (bastard wing) to the tip of the primaries.

Size

Length

52cm to 60cm

Wingspan

135cm to 150cm

Weight

600g to 1000g

Colours

Primary Colour

Brown Grey

Secondary Colour

White

Beak Colour

Grey

Leg Colour

Yellow

Primary Colour (Female)

Brown

Secondary Colour (Female)

White

Beak Colour (Female)

Grey

Leg Colour (Female)

Yellow

Habitat and Distribution

Habitats

Woodland

The European Honey-buzzard can be found in Woodland habitats.

Garden

The European Honey-buzzard is not typically found in Garden habitats.

Wetland

The European Honey-buzzard is not typically found in Wetland habitats.

Coastal

The European Honey-buzzard is not typically found in Coastal habitats.

Urban

The European Honey-buzzard is not typically found in Urban habitats.

Farmland

The European Honey-buzzard can be found in Farmland habitats.

Grassland

The European Honey-buzzard is not typically found in Grassland habitats.

Desert

The European Honey-buzzard is not typically found in Desert habitats.

Tundra

The European Honey-buzzard is not typically found in Tundra habitats.

Rainforest

The European Honey-buzzard is not typically found in Rainforest habitats.

Mountain

The European Honey-buzzard is not typically found in Mountain habitats.

Savanna

The European Honey-buzzard is not typically found in Savanna habitats.

Distribution

European Honey-buzzards inhabit deciduous and mixed forests across Europe and western Asia. They prefer mature woodlands with clearings and nearby meadows for foraging. During breeding season, they are found from the UK and Scandinavia to western Russia.

These birds are long-distance migrants, wintering in tropical Africa. They are summer visitors in the UK, with small breeding populations in southern England, Wales, and Scotland.

Elevation Range

Up to 2,000 meters

Climate zones

Temperate, Subtropical

Distribution Map

This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a European Honey-buzzard. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.

A few things to keep in mind:

  • Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
  • Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
  • This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations

We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:

  • More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
  • How birds move around during different seasons