Oriental Honey-buzzard Bird Facts (Pernis ptilorhynchus)

The Oriental Honey-buzzard is a large raptor. Males are typically lighter than females. Its appearance is quite variable, with plumage ranging from pale to dark brown. A distinctive feature is its crest, which varies in length depending on the subspecies.

This species shows considerable variation across its range, with different populations showing distinct characteristics in size, colouring, and crest development.

While generally brown in colour, individuals can show various patterns of barring on their underparts, and some may display a distinctive dark marking on their chests.

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

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

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

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

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

The Oriental Honey-buzzard is not typically found in Farmland habitats.

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

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

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

The Oriental Honey-buzzard can be found in Rainforest habitats.

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

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

Oriental Honey-buzzards inhabit a wide range of forested habitats across Asia, from India and southern China to Indonesia and the Philippines. They prefer areas with mature trees in tropical, subtropical, and temperate zones.

During migration, these birds can be observed in more open landscapes and even urban areas. Some populations in tropical regions are resident, while others undertake long-distance migrations.

This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Oriental 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

Species that are present in the area during their breeding season

Japan North Korea Russia South Korea Sri Lanka

Species that are present in the area outside their breeding season

Iran Taiwan

Species that pass through the area during migration

Afghanistan Kazakhstan Kuwait

Species that appear infrequently (rare) and unpredictably outside their normal range

Egypt Hong Kong Israel Jordan Kenya Macao Mongolia Oman Saudi Arabia Turkey Uzbekistan Yemen

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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.

Exceptional manoeuvrability whilst soaring and hunting, with specialised abilities to raid bee nests and navigate through forest canopies. Their long-distance migration capabilities demonstrate remarkable aerial prowess.

Strength

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

Whilst not amongst the most powerful raptors, these large birds possess considerable strength for their size, enabling them to handle defensive insects and carry nest-building materials. Their size (up to 1.5kg) and wingspan (up to 150cm) contribute to their physical capabilities.

Adaptability

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

Remarkably adaptable, thriving across diverse habitats from tropical to temperate zones, and displaying sophisticated hunting strategies. Their ability to protect themselves from bee stings through specialised feathers and techniques shows exceptional evolutionary adaptation.

Aggressiveness

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

Generally non-aggressive compared to other raptors, preferring to focus on insect prey rather than confrontational hunting. They're typically solitary birds that show limited territorial behaviour outside of breeding season.

Endurance

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

Outstanding endurance demonstrated through long-distance migrations of up to 10,000 kilometres annually. Their ability to sustain flight using thermal currents and maintain lengthy hunting expeditions tracking bee colonies shows remarkable stamina.

The Oriental Honey-buzzard primarily feeds on the larvae and combs of bees and wasps. They also consume other insects, small vertebrates, and occasionally fruits.

Their specialised face feathers and scale-like head plumage protect them from stings as they raid nests of social insects.

Oriental Honey-buzzards are known for their unique feeding behaviour, using their specialised feathers around the face to protect against bee stings while raiding nests.

They are often seen soaring on thermals with flat wings, occasionally performing slow, deep wingbeats. These birds are generally solitary but may gather in small groups during migration.

The Oriental Honey-buzzard is generally quiet but becomes more vocal during the breeding season. Its call is a high-pitched, drawn-out whistle, often described as 'pee-yew' or 'pee-oo'.

During courtship, pairs may engage in a series of rapid, piping calls.

Breeding typically occurs from April to August, varying by region. Oriental Honey-buzzards form monogamous pairs and engage in aerial displays during courtship.

Nests are constructed high in trees, often near the trunk or a main fork. The nest is a platform of sticks lined with green leaves. Females usually lay 2 eggs, which are white with brown markings.

Both parents participate in incubation, which lasts about 30-35 days. The young fledge after 40-45 days but may remain dependent on their parents for several more weeks.

The Oriental Honey-buzzard typically lives for 8 to 10 years.

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

While the Oriental Honey-buzzard is currently listed as Least Concern, it faces threats from habitat loss and degradation in parts of its range.

Conservation efforts focus on protecting forested areas and monitoring populations, particularly along migration routes.

Look for them soaring high in the sky with flat wings
Observe near forested areas, especially during migration seasons
Listen for their high-pitched, whistling calls
Watch for their distinctive head-bobbing behaviour when perched

Adult Oriental Honey-buzzards have few natural predators, but eggs and nestlings may fall prey to larger raptors, corvids, and arboreal mammals.

Their specialised face feathers protect against bee and wasp stings.
They can locate bee nests by watching the flight paths of returning worker bees.
Some individuals migrate over 10,000 kilometres annually between breeding and wintering grounds.

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Visual Identification

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Habitat and Distribution

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Bird Attributes Explained

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Understanding the Ratings:

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Aggressiveness

Endurance

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Vocalisation

Nesting & Breeding

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Conservation and Status

Global Conservation Status

Population Data

Rarity Index

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Similar Birds

European Honey-buzzard

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