| European Honey-buzzard Pernis apivorus | ||||
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Spain May 2022 The European Honey-buzzard breeds in Europe and Western Asia and winters in Africa south of the Sahara. It is one of the most numerous raptors to be seen in the spring and autumn migrations at spots such as the Straits of Gibraltar. See the distribution map at xeno-canto. |
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Although not closely related to buzzards, Honey-buzzards can look very similar while soaring on thermals. They do have a longer and thinner neck and a smaller almost cuckoo-like head. They have a wide complex of plumage variations some of which are shown here. I think that photos 1 to 3 show adult males while photo 4 shows an adult female. | |||
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Their English and scientific names refer to their habit of digging out wasps nests to feed their young. They also feed on other insects, small vertebrates and small mammals. | |||
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