Pernis apivorus
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.
Length
52cm to 60cm
Wingspan
135cm to 150cm
Weight
600g to 1000g
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
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.
Up to 2,000 meters
Temperate, Subtropical
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:
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