European Honey Buzzard

Pernis apivorus (Linnaeus, 1758)

European Honey Buzzard, Pernis apivorus, breeds across Europe and western Asia and spends the nonbreeding season in Africa. It is a bird of prey in the Accipitridae family and was described by Linnaeus in 1758. The species is a woodland breeder and is usually unobtrusive, becoming more noticeable in spring when courtship can include wing-clapping. Males defend territories strongly. The usual clutch has two eggs, though one or three may be laid. It is a specialist feeder, taking mainly wasp and hornet larvae and nests.

Order

Accipitriformes

Family

Accipitridae — Kites, Hawks, Eagles

Breeding range

Palearctic: Europe and w Asia

Nonbreeding range

Africa