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Oriental Honey-buzzard

Pernis ptilorhynchus

Family:

Size:

52-68 cm

Weight:

M 750-1280 g, F 950-1490 g

Taxonomy:

P. p. ruficollis (Lesson, 1830) and P. p. orientalis (Taczanowski, 1891)

Short Description:

The crested honey buzzard (Pernis ptilorhynchus) is a bird of prey in the family Accipitridae, which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as kites, eagles, and harriers. This species is also known as the Oriental honey buzzard.  Despite its name, this species is not related to Buteo buzzards, and is taxonomically closer to the kites. It appears long-necked with a small head (resembling that of a pigeon), and soars on flat wings. The head lacks a strong superciliary ridge, giving it a facial appearance very unlike a raptor. It has a long tail and a short head crest. It is brown above, but not as dark as European honey buzzard, and paler below. A dark throat stripe is present. Unusually for a large bird of prey, the sexes can be distinguished. The male has a blue-grey head, while the female's head is brown. She is slightly larger and darker than the male. The male has a black tail with a white band. It breeds in Asia from central Siberia east to Japan. It is a summer migrant to Siberia, wintering in tropical Southeast Asia. Elsewhere, it is more-or-less resident. It is a specialist feeder, living mainly on the larvae of social bees and wasps, and eating bits of comb and honey; it takes other small insect prey such as cicadas. The crested honey buzzard breeds in woodland, and is inconspicuous except in the spring, when the mating display includes wing-clapping. The display of roller-coasting in flight and fluttering wings at the peak of the ascent are characteristic of the genus Pernis.  In Pakistan, Oriental Honey Buzzard is common winter visitor to most of the Punjab. Known for its local migration, largely influenced by movement of Rock Bees and smaller Wild Honeybees. Summer breeder in northern Punjab, NWFP and subtropical pine zone. Mainly a winter to lower Sind, everywhere favouring irrigated forest plantations and relict patches of riverine forest.

Far far away, behind the word mountains, far from the countries Vokalia and Consonantia, there live the blind texts. Separated they live in Bookmarksgrove right at the coast
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Oriental Honey-buzzard displays typical behaviors observed across its range in Asia. During migration, these birds can be spotted soaring gracefully in the skies, utilizing thermals to gain altitude effortlessly. Their diet primarily consists of larvae of social bees and wasps, although they also consume other insects, small mammals, and fruits. Oriental Honey-buzzards are solitary during much of the year, but may gather in loose groups during migration. They build their nests in trees within wooded areas, where they breed during the summer months, with both parents participating in incubating the eggs and caring for the young. Despite facing threats such as habitat loss, these birds play a vital role in Pakistan’s ecosystem as predators of insects and small animals, contributing to the balance of their natural habitats.
Far far away, behind the word mountains, far from the countries Vokalia and Consonantia, there live the blind texts. Separated they live in Bookmarksgrove right at the coast

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