Crested Honey Buzzard (Pernis ptilorhynchus) **
The Crested Honey Buzzard (Pernis ptilorhynchus), also known as the Oriental Honey Buzzard, is a medium-sized raptor native to Asia, known for its specialized diet of bees, wasps, and their larvae. Unlike typical buzzards, this species has unique adaptations, including thick feathers and scales on its face and legs to protect against stings while raiding nests. It displays sexual dimorphism, with males having a more distinct crest and subtle plumage variations. Found in forests, woodlands, and semi-open areas, it is a migratory bird that travels long distances between breeding and wintering grounds. The Crested Honey Buzzard is often mistaken for other birds of prey due to its hawk-like appearance but can be distinguished by its slender build, rounded wings, and characteristic head shape. This species plays a key ecological role in controlling insect populations.
NOT EVALUATED | DATA DEFICIENT | LEAST CONCERN** | NEAR THREATENED | VULNERABLE | ENDANGERED | CRITICALLY ENDANGERED | EXTINCT IN THE WILD | EXTINCT |
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NE | DD | LC | NT | VU | EN | CR | EW | EX |