Abejero oriental

1. Nombre del ave
English: Oriental Honey Buzzard
Scientific: Pernis ptilorhynchus

2. Aspecto
The Oriental Honey Buzzard is a medium-large bird of prey that features a unique
and delicate pattern. It has a slender body exhibiting a variety of colorations, primarily brown,
black, and white, with undertones that vary from pale grey to dark brown. It has a small-rounded,
long-tailed silhouette with a distinctive head shape which looks ridge over its eyes similar to lack of neck. This feature gives it a “reptilian” appearance. Its beak is hooked, perfect for tearing at honeycombs and preying on insects. The eyes are piercing dark-brown, giving it an intense gaze. Both sexes are similarly colored, but slightly differ in pattern with females having more prominent streaks and spots.

3. Tamaño
The Oriental Honey Buzzard stands at an average length of 58-72 cm (22.8-28.3 inches). The wingspan is quite impressive, spanning 135-160 cm (53.1-63.0 inches). This bird can weigh anywhere between 580-1100 g (1.2-2.4 lbs).

4. Hábitat y distribución
This bird can primarily be found in East Asia, stretching across regions from Japan, Korea, China, and parts of India during breeding season. In the winter months, it migrates south to countries in Southeast Asia such as the Philippines, Thailand, and Malaysia. Populations are also seen in parts of the Middle East. It favors forested areas and treelines near open grounds, where there’s abundant access to their diet of bees and wasps.

5. Datos de interés
– During migration, the Oriental Honey Buzzard often travels in large flocks, numbering to the thousands to cross many blockade such as mountains and sea bodies. A spectacular sight.
– Despite feeding on bees and wasps, it’s immune to their venom, and can handle them with little to no danger.
– Being opportunistic feeders, they have been known to feed on small mammals, birds and fruits as well.

6. Dieta
True to its name, the Oriental Honey Buzzard’s primary diet is bees and wasps, also their larvae, and honey from their hives. However, they are also known to prey on other insects, small reptiles, mammals, and birds.

7. Comportamiento y sonidos
Oriental Honey Buzzards are solitary and mostly silent, though during mating season they do make a cat-like mew in their displays. Their flying pattern is fluid and soaring, interspersed with light flapping. They use stealth and surprise to hunt for their meals, often invading hives and nests.

8. Estado de conservación
The Oriental Honey Buzzard is classified as “Least Concern” on the IUCN Red List. Despite seeing some decline due to habitat degradation and hunting, the population overall remains widespread and stable.

9. Vida útil
This bird typically lives for about 20-30 years both in the wild and in captivity.

10. Notas adicionales
– They are known as “Tobikera” in Japanese, meaning “jumping chicken” relating to their propensity to pounce on their prey.
– In their ecosystems, they play a crucial role in controlling populations of bees and wasps.
– Unlike other birds of prey, they have a more sweet-toothed palate, showing keen interest in honey and fruits.
– They have a distinct “facial mask” giving them a distinct appearance compared to other raptors.