Honey Buzzard sp.  Pernis sp.

Safa Park, 22.12.2006

Comments from Steve James 07.01.2007:

This is an immature (first winter bird) moulting into adult plumage.

Pointers for Crested Honey Buzzard include:

- Bulk of the bird & very broad tail shown. Look at the size of the wings, thickness of neck & size of head. European Honey Buzzard has a thinner neck & head & is a much slimmer, longer bird.

- The thin barring on tail is indicative of both species in this plumage.

- Tthe grey edges to the coverts are classic Crested Honey Buzzard in this plumage. Particularly, as this bird is a female, and female European Honey Buzzards are browner & less contrasting than adult males.

- European Honey Buzzard typically shows more yellow on the bill at this age