Key information
The honey buzzard is a large bird of prey that is similar to the buzzard. It has got broad wings and a long tail. The plumage is very variable across all ages - typical adults are greyish-brown on its upperparts and whitish underparts.
The nest sites of British breeding birds are usually kept secret to protect them from egg collectors. They are also listed as a Schedule 1 species on The Wildlife and Countryside Act offering them additional protection. Numbers are increasing, perhaps as a result of upland conifer forest maturing. It is a summer visitor to its breeding sites and spends the winter in Africa.
What they eat:
Mainly insect larvae of wasps and bees.
Measurements:
- Length:
- 52-60cm
- Wingspan:
- 135-150cm
- Weight:
- 600-1,100g
Population:
- UK breeding:
- 41 pairs
Identifying features:
This bird species has different identifying features depending on sex/age/season.
Honey buzzard (male)
Honey buzzard (female)
