Oriental Honey-buzzard
Least ConcernPernis ptilorhynchus
Visual Identification
Appearance
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.
Size
Length
52cm to 68cm
Wingspan
115cm to 155cm
Weight
750g to 1.5kg
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Brown White
Secondary Colour
Black Grey
Beak Colour
Grey Black
Leg Colour
Yellow
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
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.
Elevation Range
Up to 2,000 meters
Climate zones
Tropical, Subtropical, Temperate
Distribution Map
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
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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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.
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.
Diet
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.
Behaviour
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.
Vocalisation
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.
Nesting & Breeding
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.
Lifespan
years
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.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
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.
Birdwatching Tips
- 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
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
Crested Honey Buzzard, Eastern Honey Buzzard, Asiatic Honey Buzzard
Family:
AccipitridaePredators
Adult Oriental Honey-buzzards have few natural predators, but eggs and nestlings may fall prey to larger raptors, corvids, and arboreal mammals.
Did You Know?
- 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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References
- 1 2
website: BirdLife International. 2021. Pernis ptilorhynchus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2021: e.T22694995A199637824.
View source - 3
report, 2021: Global Forest Watch