European Honey-buzzard
Pernis apivorus
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
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
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
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
This feature is in beta. We'd love your feedback to improve it!
Share your thoughtsBird 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.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
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.
Diet
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.
Behaviour
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.
Vocalisation
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.
Nesting & Breeding
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.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
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.
Birdwatching Tips
- 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.
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Predators
Adult European Honey-buzzards have few natural predators, but eggs and chicks may fall prey to martens, goshawks, and eagle-owls.
Did You Know?
- 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.
Similar Birds
References
- 1 2
website: BirdLife International. 2021. Pernis apivorus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2021: e.T22694989A206749274.
View source - 3
report, 2020: Orta et al.
Share Your Feedback
We value your opinion! Let us know what you think about this bird page.