European Honey-buzzard
European Honey-buzzard
45
2 days ago
door
Paula
Points:
45
+18
Spotted by
The European Honey Buzzard is a medium-sized raptor named for its unique diet, primarily consisting of the larvae, pupae, and adults of social wasps and bees. It is a master of camouflage, often blending seamlessly into its woodland habitat. This species is a long-distance migrant.
Where to spot
Breeds across much of Europe and western Asia, preferring mature deciduous and mixed woodlands. During migration, they can be seen traversing a wide range of habitats as they head to and from their wintering grounds in tropical Africa.
How to spot
Spot them by their distinctive wing shape: longer, more finger-like primaries than common buzzards, and often a more 'necked' appearance. Look for their characteristic slow, deliberate wing beats mixed with glides. Identification can be tricky due to plumage variability and similarity to other buzzards; focus on flight profile and head shape.
When to spot
Best observed during spring (April-May) and autumn (August-September) migration periods, when large numbers pass through bottleneck sites. They are present on their breeding grounds during summer (May-August).
Where to spot
Breeds across much of Europe and western Asia, preferring mature deciduous and mixed woodlands. During migration, they can be seen traversing a wide range of habitats as they head to and from their wintering grounds in tropical Africa.
How to spot
Spot them by their distinctive wing shape: longer, more finger-like primaries than common buzzards, and often a more 'necked' appearance. Look for their characteristic slow, deliberate wing beats mixed with glides. Identification can be tricky due to plumage variability and similarity to other buzzards; focus on flight profile and head shape.
When to spot
Best observed during spring (April-May) and autumn (August-September) migration periods, when large numbers pass through bottleneck sites. They are present on their breeding grounds during summer (May-August).
Credits:
Door Andreas Trepte - Eigen werk, CC BY-SA 2.5, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=54344804
This buzzard has specially adapted scales on its legs and tight-fitting feathers around its face to protect it from stings when raiding wasp and bee nests. It can locate nests by following foraging insects.
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Spotted
- Recently spotted
- 20 (Seen in the last 3 months)
- Last spotted
- 2 days ago door Paula
Monthly observations
35 observations
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