Oriental Honey-buzzard

A large raptor of lowland and montane broadleaf and mixed forests, this species is well-known for its tendency to congregate in large flocks of up to thousands during migration. Resident populations inhabit tropical forests from lowlands up into montane areas. While showing considerable plumage variation throughout its range, the combination of an unusually small and slender head, long striped tail, broad wings, and well-striped underwings make this species fairly recognizable across a wide area. True to its name, this species is a raider of wasp and bee nests, although it prefers bee and wasp larvae over their honey.

The Oriental honey-buzzard (Pernis ptilorhynchus) is found in a variety of habitats in Sri Lanka, including broadleaf forests, river valleys, and open woodlands.

The Oriental honey-buzzard's diet in Sri Lanka includes bees, wasps, and their larvae. It also eats other insects, lizards, frogs, small mammals, and birds.