European Honey-buzzard Bird Facts (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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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Bird Attributes Explained

Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.

Attribute Categories:

Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.

Understanding the Ratings:

0-20: Very Low
21-40: Low
41-60: Average
61-80: High
81-100: Very High

Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.

Agility

Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.

The European Honey-buzzard displays remarkable agility, particularly in flight. Its characteristic 'butterfly-like' wing flapping, interspersed with glides, and ability to perform elaborate aerial displays during breeding season demonstrate high manoeuvrability. Their skill in locating and accessing underground wasp nests also indicates considerable dexterity.

Strength

Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.

As a large raptor with a wingspan of up to 150 cm and weighing up to 1 kg, the European Honey-buzzard possesses significant strength. Their ability to dig out wasp nests and carry prey suggests moderate to high strength for their size, though they may not be as powerful as some other birds of prey.

Adaptability

Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.

European Honey-buzzards show exceptional adaptability. They can thrive in various habitats up to 2,000 metres elevation, have a diverse diet including insects, small vertebrates, and even fruits, and possess specialised scales on their feet to protect against wasp stings. Their long-distance migration between Europe and tropical Africa further demonstrates their adaptability to different environments.

Aggressiveness

Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.

While not typically aggressive towards humans, European Honey-buzzards display moderate aggression in certain contexts. They actively defend their nests and territories during breeding season and show determination in accessing wasp nests for food. However, they are generally less aggressive than many other raptors.

Endurance

Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.

The European Honey-buzzard's endurance is impressive, particularly evident in their long-distance migration from Europe to tropical Africa. Their ability to soar for extended periods and their persistence in digging out wasp nests also indicate high endurance. Additionally, their lifespan of 12-15 years suggests good overall stamina and resilience.

Despite their name, European Honey-buzzards primarily feed on wasp and bee larvae. They dig out underground nests with their specialised claws and beak. They also use their feet to search the ground and dig out grubs, beetles, termites and other larvae.

Their diet also includes small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and occasionally berries and fruits.

European Honey-buzzards are known for their unique feeding behaviour. They are often seen walking on the ground to dig out wasp nests. In flight, they exhibit a characteristic 'butterfly-like' wing flapping interspersed with glides. During the breeding season, males perform elaborate aerial displays to attract mates.

European Honey-buzzards are generally quiet birds. During the breeding season, they produce a high-pitched, drawn-out whistle that sounds like 'pee-lu'. This call is often given during aerial displays or when near the nest. They may also make a rapid 'ki-ki-ki' sound when alarmed.

Breeding occurs from May to August. Pairs often return to the same nesting sites year after year, typically choosing tall trees in mature forests. They construct large nests of sticks, lined with green leaves.

Females usually lay 2 eggs, which are creamy-white with reddish-brown markings. Both parents share incubation duties for about 30-35 days.

Chicks fledge after 40-44 days but remain dependent on their parents for several weeks, learning crucial foraging skills.

The European Honey-buzzard typically lives for 12 to 15 years.

Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.

While listed as Least Concern globally, European Honey-buzzards face threats from habitat loss and illegal hunting during migration.

Conservation efforts focus on protecting breeding habitats and migration routes, particularly in southern Europe and the Mediterranean region.

Look for them soaring over woodlands and open areas during migration periods.
Observe their distinctive flight pattern with slow wing beats and glides.
Whilst they may at first resemble the common buzzard, careful observation during flight, coupled with their physical appearance and bright yellow iris, aids in correct identification.
Listen for their high-pitched 'pee-lu' call, especially during breeding season.
In the UK, visit known breeding areas in southern England and Wales during the summer months.
They are relatively shy birds and difficult to spot as they forage on the ground under the cover of trees.

Adult European Honey-buzzards have few natural predators, but eggs and chicks may fall prey to martens, goshawks, and eagle-owls.

European Honey-buzzards have specialised scales on their feet to protect against wasp stings.
They can locate underground wasp nests by watching the flight paths of adult wasps.
Despite their name, they are not closely related to true buzzards.

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