The barred honey buzzard or Sulawesi honey buzzard is a species of bird of prey in the family Accipitridae.
Region
Sulawesi and adjacent islands (Wallacea, Indonesia)
Typical Environment
Endemic to Sulawesi and nearby islands where it inhabits primary and secondary lowland to hill forests, forest edges, and selectively logged areas. It is most often seen along ridgelines and over clearings where thermals aid soaring. The species tolerates mosaic landscapes with patches of woodland, agroforestry, and riparian forest, provided nesting sites and wasp abundance remain. It is generally uncommon but can be locally frequent in suitable habitat.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the Sulawesi honey buzzard, this raptor specializes in raiding the nests of wasps and bees. It has dense, scale-like facial feathers and relatively long toes that help protect it from stings and extract larvae from combs. Like other honey-buzzards, it soars with fairly flat wings and a long tail, often gliding over forest edges.
Temperament
solitary and secretive
Flight Pattern
soaring glider with steady, shallow wingbeats and long glides
Social Behavior
Typically encountered alone or in pairs, especially during the breeding season. Nests are placed high in trees; the clutch is usually a single egg with both adults sharing incubation and chick-rearing. Outside breeding, individuals range widely while foraging but do not form large flocks.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Generally quiet; gives thin, high-pitched whistles and mewing calls, especially near the nest or when displaying. Vocalizations are brief and spaced, often heard during soaring displays over forest.
