honey buzzard

Species of buzzard, genus Pernis apivora, family Accipitridae, order Falconiformes. The plumage is variously coloured and the bird may be distinguished from other buzzards by its longer tail and neck, smaller head, and narrow-based wings. Its food consists of insects and small mammals, which it devours on the ground; it derives its name from its habit of plundering the nests of bees and wasps for grubs. It also eats mature wasps and bees after removing the sting. It is is common in the wooded districts of Western Europe, whence it migrates in winter to Africa.