A David Mead original from Raptors of the World, published by Christopher Helm as a Handbook (2001) and a Field Guide (2005).

Plate 10 in Handbook (Field Guide plates 10, 11 and 12).

Long-tailed Honey-buzzard Henicopernis longicauda New Guinea

Black Honey-buzzard Henicopernis infuscatus
New Britain

Eastern Honey-buzzard Pernis ptilorhynchus*
SE Siberia, Japan, India, SE Asia

Barred Honey-buzzard Pernis celebensis**
Philippines, Sulawesi

*One subspecies shown here is elevated to species level in Field Guide as Eastern Honey-buzzard Pernis orientalis. Also in Field Guide, P. ptilorhynchus is renamed Indomalayan Honey-buzzard.

**One subspecies shown here is elevated to species level in Field Guide as Steere’s Honey-buzzard Pernis steerei.

ABOUT THE BIRDS All of these species, together with the Western Honey-buzzard (plate 6), are largely insectivorous raptors. They use their feet to dig into wasp or bee nests, which they often locate by following foraging insects. When their favourite food is scarce, honey-buzzards may catch reptiles, small mammals and young birds.

The Barred Honey-buzzard’s markings are remarkably similar to those of the Sulawesi Hawk Eagle Spizaetus lanceolatus. By mimicking the appearance of the more powerful eagle, the relatively weak honey-buzzard is thought to gain greater protection from predators.

Medium Gouache on tinted acrylic gesso
Image size 8in x 12in (20cm x 30cm)