European Honey Buzzards Migrate Through Israel in Large Numbers
Thousands of European Honey Buzzards are currently migrating through Israel, a critical flyway for the species as they travel from their breeding grounds in Europe and Asia to wintering grounds in Africa. This raptor, known for its unique diet and remarkable survival adaptations, is passing over Israel in large flocks, with estimates suggesting hundreds of thousands will traverse the country over the next two weeks.
The bird's name, 'Ayah' (meaning buzzard or kite), appears in the Bible, and its scientific name, Pernis apivorus, reflects its primary food source: the larvae and pupae of wasps and bees, which constitute about 80% of its diet. It obtains this protein-rich food by digging up nests with its strong talons and specialized beak.
European Honey Buzzards possess extraordinary physiological adaptations to protect them from stings. Their facial and head feathers are dense and scale-like, their eyelids are transparent to act as protective goggles, and their nostrils are narrow to prevent debris entry. They also consume their prey rapidly to avoid being overwhelmed by angry swarms.
Their migration route utilizes thermals, rising to about 2 kilometers before gliding south. While nesting solitarily, they gather in large groups for migration to optimize flight and navigation. Despite these adaptations, the species faces significant threats, including widespread illegal hunting in the Mediterranean and Middle East, habitat loss due to development in Europe, and disruptions from the war in Ukraine affecting nesting sites. A modern threat includes optical fibers from military drones that remain entangled in trees.
Birdwatchers are meticulously counting these migrating birds from strategic points using high-powered optics. This effort is crucial not only for ecological monitoring but also for aviation safety, as large flocks pose a risk to military and civilian aircraft. Collaborations are in place with the Israeli Air Force and the Civil Aviation Authority to mitigate these risks. The peak migration is expected to continue until around September 20th, with the birds entering Israel from the north and moving south along the Jordan Rift Valley.
