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TBOSG Honey Buzzard - Pernis apivorus
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Despite its name Honey Buzzard is not related to the true buzzards in the genus 'Buteo' but is closer to the kites. It is a summer migrant to most of Europe and western Asia wintering in tropical Africa. It is a specialist feeder living mainly on the larvae and nests of wasps although it will take other small prey. The specific name 'apivorus' means 'bee-eater', although bees are much less important than wasps in its diet. It has been suggested that the similarity in plumage between juvenile Honey Buzzard and Common Buzzard has arisen as a partial protection against predation by Goshawks. |
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Earliest: May 24th 2007 near Aust. Latest: September 24th 2008 near Frenchay. Highest Count: Two in 1879 at Tortworth. |
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There have been seven Honey Buzzard reported from S. Gloucestershire, they are; |
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2008: (1) |
One was reported over the M32 north-east of Bristol on September 24th. |
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2007: (2) |
One was reported on May 24th at 15:20 flying low in a northerly direction near the Severn View Motorway Services and then out across the Severn Estuary towards the Forest of Dean; One was reported flying east over Aust Village on August 11th. |
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1996: (1) |
On September 2nd at Severn Beach a single bird was noted in flight heading east-north-east. |
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1991: (1) |
On May 26th a passage migrant was identified in flight west across the Severn Estuary from New Passage. |
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c.1879: (2) |
Two were 'obtained' near Tortworth sometime around this date. The were kept for some time in Gloucester Museum but were eventually destroyed. (cf. Mellersh - Birds of Gloucestershire 1902 p. 15). |