Butterflies & Dragonflies          Contact          First Sightings          Links          On This Day          S. Glos Listers          Systematic List          Where To Watch

 

The Birds Of South Gloucestershire          Honey Buzzard - pernis apivorus

 

Despite its name Honey Buzzard is not related to the true buzzards in the genus 'Buteo' but is closer to the Kites. It is a summer migrant to most of Europe and western Asia wintering in tropical Africa. It is a specialist feeder living mainly on the larvae and nests of Wasps although it will take other small prey. The specific name 'apivorus' means 'bee-eater', although Bees are much less important than Wasps in its diet. It has been suggested that the similarity in plumage between juvenile Honey Buzzard and Common Buzzard has arisen as a partial protection against predation by Goshawks.

 

There have been eight Honey Buzzard reported from S. Gloucestershire;

 

2011: (1)

An adult was seen as it drifted over Northwick Warth near the target mound at 11:10 on May 7th. It then gained height and glided north. (Paul Bowerman)

 

 

The first Honey Buzzard ever to be photographed in S. Glos. May 2011. Paul Bowerman.

 

2008: (1)

One was reported over the M32 north-east of Bristol on September 24th.

 

2007: (2)

One was reported on May 24th at 15:20 flying low in a northerly direction near the Severn View Motorway Services and then out across the Severn Estuary towards the Forest of Dean; One was reported flying east over Aust Village on August 11th.

 

1996: (1)

On September 2nd at Severn Beach a single bird was noted in flight heading east-north-east.

 

1991: (1)

On May 26th a passage migrant was identified in flight west across the Severn Estuary from New Passage. (Paul Bowerman, Brian Lancastle)

 

c.1879: (2)

Two were 'obtained' near Tortworth sometime around this date. The were kept for some time in Gloucester Museum but were eventually destroyed. (cf. Mellersh - Birds of Gloucestershire 1902 p. 15).

 

©TBOSG November 2005 - All rights reserved