Oriental Honey Buzzard.MF
This raptor is most easily identified in the field by its smallish head and the black bands on the wings and tail. It has a long middle toe that allows it to dig into hives. The slit-shaped nostrils, bare tarsus and fine streaks on breast distinguish it from the Changeable Hawk Eagle.
In Singapore it is a common passage migrant and winter visitor. It can be found islandwide. Called a honey buzzard because of its diet, but it is really more related to kites than buzzards. The main subspecies found in Singapore during the migratory season is orientalis.The subspecies resident to Peninsula Malaysia is torquatus.
The colour and pattern of its plumage varies extraordinarily across its range with six subspecies differing markedly in appearance.Extraordinarily, the distinct plumage of each subspecies closely resembles that of a species of hawk-eagle that overlaps its range. It is argued that this mimicry evolved to prevent the relatively weak honey-buzzard from being attacked by more powerful raptors
A vital attribute shared by all honey-buzzards are scale-like feathers around the eyes and forehead which provide armour against the stings of the wasps, bees and hornets it preys upon. In addition, all have feet equipped with relatively straight claws adapted for digging and walking.
Photographic note: was fortunate to chance upon this migrant during a morning walk up mount faber with my son. Thankfully my gear was ready and son was cooperative in his stroller.
Took several static shots and was stopping down to get more details when the buzzard decided to make a move! Speed was sufficient only to get the head and body sharp. Hopefully the blurred wings do convey a sense of motion.
This action pic is my favorite of the lot of otherwise static shots.
Using a square crop to remove most of the grey background.
Oriental Honey Buzzard.MF
This raptor is most easily identified in the field by its smallish head and the black bands on the wings and tail. It has a long middle toe that allows it to dig into hives. The slit-shaped nostrils, bare tarsus and fine streaks on breast distinguish it from the Changeable Hawk Eagle.
In Singapore it is a common passage migrant and winter visitor. It can be found islandwide. Called a honey buzzard because of its diet, but it is really more related to kites than buzzards. The main subspecies found in Singapore during the migratory season is orientalis.The subspecies resident to Peninsula Malaysia is torquatus.
The colour and pattern of its plumage varies extraordinarily across its range with six subspecies differing markedly in appearance.Extraordinarily, the distinct plumage of each subspecies closely resembles that of a species of hawk-eagle that overlaps its range. It is argued that this mimicry evolved to prevent the relatively weak honey-buzzard from being attacked by more powerful raptors
A vital attribute shared by all honey-buzzards are scale-like feathers around the eyes and forehead which provide armour against the stings of the wasps, bees and hornets it preys upon. In addition, all have feet equipped with relatively straight claws adapted for digging and walking.
Photographic note: was fortunate to chance upon this migrant during a morning walk up mount faber with my son. Thankfully my gear was ready and son was cooperative in his stroller.
Took several static shots and was stopping down to get more details when the buzzard decided to make a move! Speed was sufficient only to get the head and body sharp. Hopefully the blurred wings do convey a sense of motion.
This action pic is my favorite of the lot of otherwise static shots.
Using a square crop to remove most of the grey background.