Bird · GBIF taxon 5793241
Oriental Honey-buzzard
Pernis ptilorhynchusAlso known as Crested Honey-buzzard, Asiatic Honey Buzzard, Eastern Honey Buzzard
Oriental Honey-buzzards are broad-winged raptors specialized for raiding the nests of social wasps and bees. Dense, scale-like feathers around their faces shield them from stings while they excavate underground and arboreal combs with sturdy feet. During seasonal migrations, thousands soar along established East Asian flyways, riding thermal updrafts across mountain ridges and open sea passages.
RaptorMigratoryInsectivorous
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Wasp larvae
- Bee larvae
- Honeycombs
Predators
- Eagles
- Large owls
ThreatsDeforestation, habitat fragmentation, illegal shooting
HabitatsDeciduous forests, evergreen woodlands, plantation edges
Life span10 to 15 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyAccipitridae
- SpeciesPernis ptilorhynchus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Spotting Flocks: Watch prominent ridgelines and coastal flyways during autumn migration for soaring kettles.
- Distinguishing ID: Look for a small pigeon-like head and long tail with broad dark bands while in flight.
- Breeding Etiquette: Maintain a respectful distance from active nest trees to avoid disturbing brooding adults.
Co-occurring Raptor (c) Seema Merchant, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Co-occurring Raptor no rights reserved, uploaded by Joshua S. Martin · cc0
Close Relative Andreas Trepte / CC BY-SA 2.5 · cc-by-sa
Close Relative
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