The crested honey buzzard, also known as the Oriental, Asiatic, or Eastern honey buzzard, is a bird of prey in the family Accipitridae, which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as kites, eagles, and harriers. It is a fairly large raptor, larger than the European honey buzzard. The name honey buzzard is derived from their diets, which consist mainly of the larvae of bees and wasps extracted from honey combs. It is sexually dimorphic, and has six subspecies.
Region
East, South and Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Breeds from the Russian Far East, northeastern China, Korea, and Japan south through the Himalayas and parts of China. Winters widely across the Indian Subcontinent, Southeast Asia, the Greater Sundas, and the Philippines. Occupies broadleaf and mixed forests, forest edges, plantations, and wooded farmlands, often near human settlements where wasp nests are plentiful. During migration, it follows ridgelines and coastlines and concentrates at well-known raptor watchpoints.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2500 m
Climate Zone
Other
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This species specializes in raiding the nests of bees and wasps, using tough scale-like facial feathers and dense plumage to reduce stings. Its slender, pigeon-like head and long neck help probe into combs, and it has waxy secretions that may further protect against stings. It shows striking plumage polymorphism and is thought to mimic larger hawk-eagles in some regions, possibly deterring aggression from other raptors.
Front view of male, Valparai, Tamil Nadu, India
Oriental Honey Buzzard (dark morph), Bandipur National Park, India
Structure of a feather showing interlocking barbules
In flight over Thane district, Maharashtra, India
Roller coaster display of Pernis species
Oriental Honey Buzzard with honeycomb in Kaohsiung, Taiwan
Taking off after drinking at a pond, Bandhavgarh, India
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
soaring glider with slow, elastic wingbeats and long, circling glides
Social Behavior
Typically forms monogamous pairs that nest high in tall trees, often reusing nest sites. Clutch size is usually 1–2 eggs, with both sexes incubating and feeding the young. Displays include soaring and calling over the territory during the breeding season.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Vocalizations are mainly thin, high-pitched whistles and mewing calls, often given in flight. It is generally quiet outside the breeding season.
Plumage
Highly variable; generally brown to grey-brown upperparts with barred underparts and a long, banded tail. Small, pigeon-like head with a short crest and scale-like facial feathers. Flight shows broad wings with slightly pinched-in hands and prominent tail bands.
Diet
Feeds largely on the brood (larvae and pupae) of bees and wasps, tearing open ground or arboreal nests. Protective facial scales and dense plumage reduce the impact of stings while foraging. Also takes comb, honey, and occasionally small vertebrates, eggs, and some fruits when insect prey is scarce.
Preferred Environment
Forages along forest edges, in secondary woodland, plantations, and open glades where wasp and bee nests are common. Often searches from low perches and then drops to the ground, or methodically works through foliage for suspended nests.
