Definition

Noun: * A bird of prey (hawk) native to the Old World (Europe, Asia, Africa) whose diet consists primarily of the larvae and nests of social wasps and bees, and also includes small mammals and reptiles.

Usage

• The Pernis apivorus is a migratory raptor, spending summers in Europe and winters in Africa.
• Unlike most hawks, the Pernis apivorus has specialized scale-like feathers around its eyes to protect against stings.
• Birdwatchers were thrilled to spot a Pernis apivorus in the woodland, a rare sighting for the area.

Advanced Usage

• In Scientific Context: The genus name and the species name (meaning "bee-eater") are used in binomial nomenclature to classify this specific hawk.
• In Conservation Context: The Pernis apivorus is considered an indicator species for the health of forest ecosystems due to its specialized diet.

Variants and Related Words

• Honey Buzzard: The common English name for .
• European Honey Buzzard: A more specific variant of the common name.
• Pernis (n): The genus to which this and other honey buzzard species belong.
• Raptor (n): A general term for birds of prey, such as hawks, eagles, and buzzards.

Synonyms

• Honey Buzzard
• European Honey Buzzard

Different Meanings

• This term has only one specific meaning as a proper noun referring to a single species of bird. It is not used idiomatically or with phrasal verbs.

Noun

1. Old World hawk that feeds on bee larvae and small rodents and reptiles