Oriental Honey-buzzard or Crested Honey Buzzard (Pernis ptilorhynchus) शहुटेला, मडकरे, मधियो, मधुबाज़

Oriental Honey-buzzard or Crested Honey Buzzard (Pernis ptilorhynchus) शहुटेला, मडकरे, मधियो, मधुबाज़ - Birds Around Me 0263

- December 24, 2025

Oriental Honey-buzzard or Crested Honey Buzzard (Pernis ptilorhynchus) शहुटेला, मडकरे, मधियो, मधुबाज़
Jabalpur, December 2025

The Oriental Honey-buzzard, also known as the Crested Honey Buzzard, is a fascinating raptor found across Asia, including India. In Hindi, it is known by several names such as शहुटेला, मडकरे, मधियो, and मधुबाज़, all of which reflect its unique feeding habits and local cultural associations.

Oriental Honey-buzzard or Crested Honey Buzzard (Pernis ptilorhynchus) शहुटेला, मडकरे, मधियो, मधुबाज़
Jabalpur, December 2025

This medium-to-large bird of prey measures about 57–60 cm in length, with long wings and a slender neck that give it a distinctive silhouette. Unlike typical hawks or eagles, the Honey-buzzard has a small crest and a pigeon-like head, which often leads to confusion in identification. Its plumage varies widely—from dark brown to rufous or even pale forms—but it always shows barred underparts and a long tail with dark bands.

Oriental Honey-buzzard or Crested Honey Buzzard (Pernis ptilorhynchus) शहुटेला, मडकरे, मधियो, मधुबाज़
Jabalpur, December 2025

The Oriental Honey-buzzard is widely distributed across India, Southeast Asia, and East Asia, inhabiting forests, wooded areas, and agricultural landscapes. It is migratory in northern regions, moving south during winter, while resident populations thrive year-round in peninsular India.

True to its name, the Honey-buzzard specializes in feeding on bee and wasp larvae. It raids hives with remarkable skill, using its tough skin and scale-covered head to protect itself from stings. It also feeds on small reptiles, insects, and fruits. In flight, it soars gracefully, often mistaken for kites due to its slender build and long wings.

The Oriental Honey-buzzard is a remarkable bird of prey, blending elegance with specialized survival skills. Its presence across India’s forests and farmlands is a reminder of the diversity and adaptability of raptors in the subcontinent.

Hindi Names of Oriental Honey-buzzard or Crested Honey Buzzard (Pernis ptilorhynchus) शहुटेला, मडकरे, मधियो, मधुबाज़

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Ashutosh Jhureley @BirdsAroundMe