141310 HONEY-BUZZARD Pernis apivorus Wingspan 135-150cm. Feeds exclusively on larvae and adults of bees and wasps. In flight, recalls Buzzard but has proportionately longer tail, with wings held slightly downcurved when soaring. Adult plumage is variable but typically has brownish upperparts, pale underparts, a grey head and evenly barred grey tail. At close range, note yellow eye and longish, narrow bill. In flight from below, note evenly barred tail, dark carpal patch and conspicuous barring on underwing. Juvenile is similar to adult but usually browner overall and with less distinct barring on underwing coverts. Voice – mainly silent. Status and habitat – Summer visitor to Britain, present May-September. Favours mature, open woodland and New Forest is a stronghold.
