1 / 4
European Honey-buzzard (Pernis apivorus) — photo 1 of 4
© Sillerkiil CC BY-SA 4.0

Hawks and eagles

European Honey-buzzard

Pernis apivorus

Voice

Call

Benoît Van Hecke

0:30

How to recognize it

  • 52–60 cm, larger than a common buzzard, with a long tail

  • Narrow wings, low and agile flight

  • Short stiff feathering on the forehead and around the eyes

  • Call "kii-eh" or quick "ki-ki-ki"

About the species

The European Honey-buzzard often moves with slow, steady wingbeats, then shifts into a low, level glide. In flight it can look long-necked, and the head pushes forward a little; when it rests, it keeps shifting around, ruffling its feathers and cocking its head as if checking every angle.

Its call is a clear "peee-lu", and in spring the male adds wing-clapping during display. It also hops from branch to branch with a single flap, which makes a loud clap.

It breeds in woodland and often uses the edges of forests, but it is also seen in a range of habitats with trees. It feeds mainly on wasp and hornet larvae and nests, and will also take small mammals, reptiles, and other prey. It leaves Europe for tropical Africa in winter and returns late in spring.

Where to find

  • In mature city parks with tall trees, the European Honey-buzzard often gives a soft “kii-e” from the upper canopy while scanning branches for wasp nests.

  • Along the edges of big wooded parks and tree belts on the city fringe, it usually stays fairly low and slips between trees in short, nimble flights.

  • Near older mixed groves in early summer, look for one hovering over small clearings before dropping onto a branch with its tail hanging down.

  • On warm May days, listen above the treetops for the quick “ki-kiki” and the sharp wing-clap that can give away a restless perched individual.

You might also see

Sources