Crested honey buzzard

The crested honey buzzard, also known as the Oriental honey buzzard, is an intriguing bird of prey belonging to the Accipitridae family. Unlike typical buzzards, this bird is more closely related to kites. It is distinguished by its long neck, small head, and unique facial features.

This species resides in Asia, migrating seasonally to regions such as Siberia and tropical Southeast Asia. Its diet primarily consists of the larvae of social bees and wasps, though it also consumes other small insects. During the breeding season, the crested honey buzzard can be observed performing impressive wing-clapping displays and distinctive flight patterns. Notably, it is larger than its European counterpart, the European honey buzzard.

Juvenile crested honey buzzards have an interesting defense mechanism—they mimic the plumage of Spizaetus hawk-eagles. This mimicry may help deter larger raptors by making them appear more intimidating. When it comes to migration, these birds undertake an extraordinary journey from Japan to Southeast Asia, which includes a remarkable 700-km nonstop flight over the East China Sea. They depend on favorable wind conditions to complete this trek; however, climate change could potentially disrupt these winds, making their journey more arduous.