Bird Guide

European Honey Buzzard

Pernis apivorus

Least ConcernInvertebratesForestPlatform nestLarge · 754 g

About the European Honey Buzzard

The European honey buzzard, also known as the pern or common pern, is a bird of prey in the family Accipitridae.

Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

ID tip

The 52–60-centimetre (20–24 in)-long 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 subterminal 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.

Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

What the European Honey Buzzard sounds like

Recording: Benoît Van Hecke · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via xeno-canto

Where the European Honey Buzzard lives

Regular rangeRare visitor

Recorded as a rare visitor in India, Mauritania, Turkmenistan, Iceland, San Marino, Sudan, Isle of Man.

When to see the European Honey Buzzard

Peak activity in September · a summer visitor species across most of its range

Easily confused with

Side by side: Crested Honey Buzzard vs European Honey Buzzard

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