Description:

An extremely variable large raptor with an odd pigeon-headed look and tail is usually irregularly banded. Long, broad wings and tail, narrow neck and small head with small crest. Very variable in plumage; often shows dark moustachial stripe and gular stripe, and gorget of streaking across lower throat. Lacks dark carpal patch.

Distribution:

Common passage migrant through the Gilgit-Baltistan, rare in eastern parts of Baltistan region. Usually prefers well-wooded country with broad-leaved trees, but during migration mountains and alpine slopes, up to 4200m high.

Behavior:

Feeds on insect nests in tree-holes and similarly on those hanging from branches, and digs in ground to expose nests and larvae. Spends long periods scanning from perch and then follows them to their nest. Mainly feeds on social bees and wasps, in particular their larvae, also eating bits of comb and honey. Also takes other insects; occasionally small vertebrates.

Photo Gallery:

Range & Occurrence:

Resident Species

Summer Breeder

Winter Visitor

Passage Migrant

Distribution Map of Oriental Honey-buzzard in Gilgit-Baltistan (Status: )

Seasonal Occurrence of Oriental Honey-buzzard

Resources:

Birds of Pakistan: Helm Field Guides (R. Grimmett & T. Inskipp)
The Birds of Pakistan (T. J. Roberts)
Birds of the Indian Subcontinent (C. Inskipp, R. Grimmett & T. Inskipp)
Birds of South Asia: The Ripley Guide (P. Rasmussen & J. Anderton)
Birds of India: Collins Field Guide (N. Arlott)
Handbook of the Birds of India and Pakistan (S. Ali & S. D. Ripley)
Handbook of the Birds of the World (https://www.hbw.com)
The Clements Checklist of Birds of the World, 6th Edition
iNaturalist BoGB (inaturalist.org/projects/birds-of-gilgit-baltistan)
Birds of Gilgit-Baltistan (http://fb.me/birdsgb)

*Gallery images on this page are shared from flickr.com, and are copyrighted to their respective creators or owners.