Species Profile
European Honey-buzzard
Pernis apivorus
Quick Facts
Conservation
LCLeast ConcernLifespan
12–15 years
Length
52–60 cm
Weight
600–1000 g
Wingspan
135–150 cm
Migration
Long-distance Migrant
Also known as: Honey Buzzard
Think you've spotted a European Honey-buzzard?
Upload a photo and our AI will confirm it instantly
Confirm with a PhotoGallery
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.
Identification & Characteristics
Male Colors
- Primary
- Brown
- Secondary
- White
- Beak
- Grey
- Legs
- Yellow
Female Colors
- Primary
- Brown
- Secondary
- White
- Beak
- Grey
- Legs
- Yellow
Female Markings
Generally darker and more heavily barred than males
Attributes
Understanding Attributes
Rated 0–100 based on research and observation. A score of 50 is average across all bird species. These attributes are relative and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Habitat & 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.
Distribution
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.
Calls & Sounds
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
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.
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.
Community Photos
Be the first to share a photo of the European Honey-buzzard
Upload a PhotoSimilar Species
Related Articles
Identify Any Bird Instantly
- Upload a photo from your phone or camera
- Get an instant AI identification
- Ask follow-up questions about the bird
Monthly Birds in Your Area
- Personalised for your location
- Seasonal tips and garden advice
- Updated every month with new species