Late Honey-buzzard displays
31 Jul 2018
As the name suggests, Honey-buzzards are specialised on raiding the nests of wasps and bees. It is a widespread summer visitor to much of Europe, but is one of the rarest raptors breeding in Britain. The population is estimated to be around 30–70 pairs, with populations in the New Forest, North Yorkshire and uplands in Scotland. Honey-buzzard is only a very rare visitor to Ireland.
During the breeding season, Honey-buzzards perform distinctive 'wing-clapping' displays to establish territories and for pair bonding. This form of display can continue late into the breeding season, even into late August. If you manage to find a displaying bird, please do log it in BirdTrack or send the record in confidence to your county recorder who collates records for the Rare Breeding Birds Panel.
Share this page