Pernis apivorus, commonly known as the European honey buzzard or bútio-vespeiro, is a medium-sized bird of prey belonging to the Accipitridae family. The species breeds across much of Europe and western Asia and migrates to sub-Saharan Africa during the winter months.
Unlike many other birds of prey, the honey buzzard is highly specialised in feeding on the larvae and nests of wasps and hornets, which form the main component of its diet.
This unusual feeding behaviour has led to several physical adaptations that help protect the bird from insect stings.
The European honey buzzard typically nests in woodland habitats, especially mature deciduous forests.
In Portugal, the species is most commonly observed in northern and inland regions during the breeding season, usually between late spring and early autumn.
Landscapes such as Vale do Lourêdo, where forest patches alternate with open terrain like fields and pastures, provide suitable conditions for feeding and nesting.
The species measures approximately 52 to 60 cm in length and has a wingspan that can reach 135 to 150 cm.
Its plumage varies greatly in colour, ranging from brown to greyish tones, which can sometimes make it difficult to distinguish from the common buzzard (Buteo buteo). However, the honey buzzard usually appears more slender with a longer neck and tail.
Males often display a bluish-grey head, while females tend to have a browner head.
The European honey buzzard spends much of its time searching for wasp nests on the ground or in trees, digging into them to extract the larvae.
It may also occasionally feed on small mammals, reptiles, birds and amphibians, although insects remain its primary food source.
The species is a long-distance migrant, travelling thousands of kilometres between its European breeding grounds and African wintering areas.
As a predator of social insects, the honey buzzard plays an important role in regulating populations of wasps and other insects.
Its presence in forest landscapes also reflects healthy woodland ecosystems, where mature trees and diverse habitats support a wide range of wildlife.