The long-tailed honey buzzard is a bird of prey in the family Accipitridae.
Region
New Guinea and nearby satellite islands
Typical Environment
Found throughout the island of New Guinea in both Papua New Guinea and Indonesian Papua, with occurrences on some adjacent small islands. It occupies primary and mature secondary rainforest, forest edges, riverine corridors, and wooded foothills. The species often soars along forested ridges and above the canopy, then drops to investigate nests within the midstory. It tolerates some habitat mosaic but is scarce in extensive open country. Presence is strongest where continuous forest cover remains.
Altitude Range
0–2500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The long-tailed honey buzzard is a forest raptor specialized in raiding wasp and bee nests for larvae, much like the true honey-buzzards of the genus Pernis. It has a notably long, banded tail and broad wings adapted for maneuvering above and within rainforest canopies. This species is typically unobtrusive, often soaring quietly over ridges and forest edges. It is non-migratory and tied to intact forest habitats across New Guinea.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
soaring glider
Social Behavior
Usually seen alone or in pairs, patrolling territories over forested slopes. Nests high in tall trees, with a small stick platform concealed by foliage. Clutch size is small, and both adults share incubation and chick-rearing duties. Displays include circling and calling over the canopy near nest sites.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are thin, high-pitched whistles and plaintive mewing notes, often given while soaring. Calls are sporadic and may increase near the nest or during display. Generally a quiet species away from breeding areas.
Plumage
Brown to rufous-brown upperparts with paler mottling; underparts variably barred or streaked with buff and brown. Underwings show diffuse barring with darker flight feathers. Tail is very long with multiple dark bands and a pale tip.
Diet
Primarily preys on social wasps and bees, tearing open nests to extract larvae and pupae. Also takes large insects, grubs, and occasionally small vertebrates such as lizards or small birds. It may glean prey from trunks and branches or snatch items during short, agile sallies from perches.
Preferred Environment
Forages within and along the edges of dense rainforest, especially near ridgelines and canopy gaps where wasp activity is concentrated. Frequently investigates arboreal nests in the midstory and subcanopy. Will also work along forest streams and clearings where insect nests are easier to access.
