Πέμπτη 11 Σεπτεμβρίου 2014

Bird: Pernis apivorus (European honey buzzard - Σφηκιάρης)

 Bird: Pernis apivorus (European honey buzzard - Σφηκιάρης)









Description

The 52–60-centimetre-long (20–24 in) honey buzzard is larger and longer winged, with a 135–150-centimetre (53–59 in) wingspan, when compared to the smaller common buzzard Buteo buteo. It appears longer necked with a small head, and soars on flat wings. It has a longer tail, which has fewer bars than the Buteo buzzard, usually with two narrow dark bars and a broad dark sub-terminal bar. The sexes can be distinguished on plumage, which is unusual for a large bird of prey. The male has a blue-grey head, while the female's head is brown. The female is slightly larger and darker than the male.

Feeding

It is a specialist feeder, living mainly on the larvae and nests of wasps and hornets, although it will take small mammals, reptiles and birds. It is the only known predator of the Asian giant hornet. It is thought that honey buzzards have a chemical deterrent in their feathers that protects them from wasp attack. Wikipedia



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