Honey buzzard ©Stefan Johansson
Honey buzzard
Scientific name: Pernis apivorus
Rare summer visitors, honey buzzards breed in open woodland where they feed on the nests and larvae of bees and wasps.
Species information
Category
Statistics
Length: 56cmWingspan: 142cm
Weight: 730g
Conservation status
Classified in the UK as Amber under the Birds of Conservation Concern 5: the Red List for Birds (2021). Protected in the UK under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981.
When to see
May to SeptemberAbout
The honey buzzard is a large bird of prey, similar in appearance to a common buzzard. It is only a summer resident in the UK, wintering in tropical Africa. There are very few breeding pairs in the country, all restricted to undisturbed woodland with open glades. Honey buzzards scan for bees and wasps, following individuals back to their nest where they use their strong, curved claws to break them open and eat the larvae.How to identify
Honey buzzards resemble common buzzards, but with longer wings, a longer tail and a slim neck that's often held forward in a cuckoo-like manner. Plumage is highly variable, but adults are typically greyish-brown above with paler underparts.Distribution
They have a heavily restricted distribution in the UK, found in small numbers at a few sites in southern, eastern and northern England, as well as Scotland and Wales.Habitats
Did you know?
Honey buzzards have especially dense, scale-like feathers on their face to protect from stings whilst feeding on the nests of bees and wasps.
Bertie Gregory/2020VISION