While going towards the Balaram Ambaji Wildlife
Sanctuary we always take short cut for the Sidhapur. It was single lane road
and pass through three villages. We see many birds in this area whenever we get
chance to go there for birding. We were passing by a stable of buffalo situated
just beside the road. After passing out we thought that we saw one raptor
perched on tree. We decided to turn back and have a quick look. Is Oriental
Honey Buzzard perched on open branch? It has small crest so we are confused
about its id. Till that date we did not see the Changeable- hawk Eagle so we thought
that its might be Changeable- hawk Eagle. But after closer examination we just
know that it is dark morph of Oriental Honey Buzzard. It's also known as Crested
Honey Buzzard.
The Crested honey buzzard (Pernis ptilorhynchus) is a
bird of prey in the family Accipitridae which also includes many other diurnal
raptors such as kites, eagles and harriers. This species is also known as the
Oriental honey buzzard. Despite its name, this species is not related to Buteo
buzzards, and is taxonomically closer to the kites. It appears long-necked with
a small head (resembling that of a pigeon), and soars on flat wings. The male
has a blue-grey head, while the female's head is brown. She is slightly larger
and darker than the male. The male has a black tail with a white band, whilst
the female resembles female honey-buzzard.
2nd February 2014
Patan, Gujarat, India
Nikon D7100
AF-S Nikkor
300mm F/4D IF-ED + AF-S Teleconverter TC-14E
f/8, 1/1250,iso-500
