European honey buzzard

The European honey buzzard is a migratory raptor that feeds mainly on the larvae and nests of wasps and bees, which it excavates from the ground or trees.

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Accipitridae: A family of birds of prey that includes hawks, eagles, kites, and Old World vultures. The European honey buzzard belongs to this family of diurnal raptors.
Social wasp: A wasp that lives in a colony with a reproductive queen and cooperative worker females. Social wasp colonies provide much of the honey buzzard's food.
Bird migration: The regular seasonal movement of birds between breeding and nonbreeding areas. The species undertakes long-distance seasonal journeys between Europe and Africa.
Honey buzzard migration through Finland: The seasonal passage of European honey buzzards across Finland between northern breeding grounds and African wintering areas. Large autumn movements show how northern populations funnel toward migration routes.
Pernis: A genus of Old World raptors adapted to feeding on social wasps and bees. This genus contains the European honey buzzard and its closest relatives.
European hornet: A large social wasp native to Europe and parts of Asia, Vespa crabro. Hornet larvae are among the colony prey that honey buzzards can excavate.
Strait of Gibraltar: A narrow sea passage connecting the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea between Europe and Africa. Honey buzzards concentrate here when crossing between their European and African ranges.
Honey buzzard migration through Israel: The seasonal movement of European honey buzzards through Israel between Eurasia and Africa. Israel records concentrated passages along the eastern Mediterranean migration corridor.
Raptor: A bird of prey that hunts or scavenges animals using a hooked bill and strong feet. The honey buzzard is a raptor with unusually specialized insect-eating habits.
Honey bee: A eusocial bee that lives in colonies and produces honey and wax. Honey bee brood and nests can supplement the bird's diet.