Birds Around Me

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 ...