Oriental Honey Buzzard

Pernis ptilorhyncus 57-60cm

Then Parundhu in Tamil (தேன் பருந்து)

Widespread resident. Wings and tail long and broad, and has narrow neck and small head. Soars with wings flat. Has small crest. Very variable in plumage, with underparts and underwing coverts ranging from dark brown through rufous to white, and unmarked, streaked or barred, often shows moustachial stripe and gular stripe, and gorget of streaking across lower throat. Lacks dark carpal patch. Male has grey face, greyish brown upperparts, two black tail bands, usually three black bands across underside of remiges, and dark brown iris. Female has browner face and upperparts, three black tail bands, four narrower black bands across remiges, and yellow iris. Juvenile has finer and less distinct banding across underside of remiges, three or more tail bands, and extensive dark tips to primaries; cere yellow (grey on adult) and iris dark. Well wooded country.