We hope that each of you, our readers, will enjoy and appreciate this article we present about these 3 Beguiling Birds of Europe. It was certainly our pleasure to compile the information for you. May it provide you with both education and increased awareness.
These few species listed herein represent only a portion of the natural wonders found throughout the region, though. Yet, it’s our belief that they serve as excellent representations of the wonders found here. Check out some of our other articles for similar marvels.
European Honey Buzzard
European Honey Buzzard Facts
- Leading off this article about these 3 Beguiling Birds of Europe we present the winged wonder known as the European Honey Buzzard.
- This remarkable bird most frequently goes by the partially deceptive common name we’ve used herein across most of its native range. Yet, it also has alternate names, as well. These include such relatively simple terms as the pern and common pern.
- Among scientists, however, such as researchers, it’s perhaps best known by its official name. That’s the relatively easy to pronounce term of Pernis apivorus. Regardless of the title one chooses to use to refer to it, though, it remains a fascinating variety of raptor.
- Like many species in its region, it owes its formal name to the respected Swedish zoologist, Carl Linnaeus. That’s because the well known researcher accomplished the first known official recognition of the animal as a separate and distinct species, in 1758.
- Despite its common name, this product of Nature and evolution isn’t closely related to buzzards. In point of fact, it’s more closely related to kites, of two other genera. The bird’s further currently placed in the Family Accipitridae by ornithologists.
- Fortunately, the European Honey Buzzard appears to be maintaining a population base that’s both stable and sufficient. This also seems to hold true throughout the entirety of its range. The IUCN therefore lists it as Least Concern on its Red List.
- The avian does face some potential threats to its continued existence. These, however, consist of the same factors facing most species around the world. Habitat loss poses a potential danger, of course. Climate change likely forms its greatest threat, though.
European Honey Buzzard Physical Description
The fabulous European Honey Buzzard quickly impresses those who encounter it. Unlike some species, however, it does so for several reasons. While simple physical size isn’t the only factor on any list of such reasons, it’s likely the one many people notice most.
The bird stands out in this manner since it’s actually larger than many related species, such as the similarly-named common buzzard. It further measures so in terms of both body length and wingspan. This surprising trait applies overall to individuals of both genders.
Also regarding genders, like many creatures, the bird displays the physiological characteristic of sexual dimorphism. In its specific case, though, the trait manifests itself in two separate ways. This fact distinguishes it from many related species in yet another way.
In terms of sheer size, the female of the species attains a slightly greater size than her male counterpart. Overall, however, individuals average about 20 – 24 in (52 – 60 cm) in body length. Wingspan, meanwhile, averages approximately 53 – 59 in (135 – 150 cm).
The second gender-based physical difference appears in terms of the coloring of the plumage. In general, this consists of varying shades of dark and light brown. Males, though, develop a bluish-gray head, while that of the female remains brown, like the rest of the body.
The European Honey Buzzard also has a longer neck than most of its relatives. The head’s comparatively small, though the beak’s powerful. It also has a longer tail than most. It’s further evolved talons that are comparatively straight, also setting it apart from its peers.
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves
- Order: Accipitriformes
- Family: Accipitridae
- Genus: Pernis
- Species: P. apivorus
European Honey Buzzard Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology
Fortunately, the fabulous European Honey Buzzard evolved as native to a relatively broad section of the globe. Even more, however, it also engages in seasonal migrations, like many other birds. This only serves to increase the territory it appears in to even greater extents.
Firstly, this stunning raptor lives its warmer seasons across the majority of the continent of Europe. There, it only avoids the most northerly regions. Secondly, though, it migrates to more tropical regions in Africa. It thereby effectively inhabits two separate ranges.
Like many varieties of avians, though, it also displays a fairly extensive adaptability regarding its choice of precise habitat within those broader ranges. In the more pristine ecosystems it makes appearances in, it displays a strong preference for areas of woodlands.
It nonetheless shows little reservation about making its home in areas with a moderate human presence. In fact, in many parts of Europe, it’s frequently spotted in the vicinity of plantations of various types. It also sometimes nests in larger parks with sufficient trees.
The dazzling European Honey Buzzard also evolved in another manner that sets it apart from many others. That manifests in its diet. That’s because this particular bird is a highly specialized feeder. Even here, though, the raptor distinguishes itself yet again.
Less commonly, however, it sometimes consumes small reptiles, mammals, and even other birds. It primarily consumes both the larvae and the nests of hornet and wasps, however. It additionally represents the only known predator of the dreaded Asian Hornet!
Long Eared Owl
Long Eared Owl Facts
- Our next choice for inclusion in this compendium of 3 Beguiling Birds of Europe is the intriguing raptor named the Long Eared Owl.
- Perhaps most notably, the descriptive term applied in this article serves as one of the common names for a truly majestic type of raptor. The animal does, however, also possess several other common names. These are used in various parts of its range.
- These alternate common names include several highly descriptive terms. They include such terms as the cat owl, the lesser horned owl, and the northern long-eared owl. This beautiful avian also goes by the scientific name of Asio otus, though.
- This gorgeous creature additionally shares a great portion of its native range with a related avian. That’s the visually quite similar species known as the short-eared owl. The two animal can most easily be distinguished while at rest.
- That’s because, at that time, the ear tufts of the Long Eared Owl become clearly visible. This constitutes the most easily recognizable physical difference between the two. In addition, the eyes of the two different creatures display different colors.
- A total of four recognized subspecies of this remarkable avian currently exist around the world. But, the Long Eared Owl has a decided advantage over many of them. Unlike some of them, this wonderful bird appears to have a sizable and stable population.
- Due to this, the IUCN presently lists it as a Species of Least Concern. This ranking appears on its Red List. It nonetheless must be considered to be facing at least a few threats to its existence. These would include habitat loss and climate change.
Long Eared Owl Physical Description
Firstly, the beautiful Long Eared Owl merits attention for other factors than merely its size. That holds true because the animal develops as an owl of medium physical size. Secondly, it does display a moderate of the characteristic of sexual dimorphism.
Individuals of this animal further attain a respectable body size. Mature specimens average roughly 16 in (40 cm) in total length. Meanwhile, wingspans average about 39 in (100 cm). Adult body weight varies significantly, but averages 15.3 oz (435 g).
The female of the stunning Long Eared Owl also grows larger and heavier than the male. These females also develops as darker in coloring. The prominent ear tufts of both sexes generally develop as black in color, though, and centered on the head.
The prominent feathers of the bird also possess a striking pattern of colors. These usually appear as a light brown in color, with vertical darker stripes present as well. The impressive eyes of this stunning species also typically grow comparatively large.
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves
- Order: Strigiformes
- Family: Strigidae
- Genus: Asio
- Species: A. otus
Long Eared Owl Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology
Much like many related species the Long Eared Owl evolved as partially migratory in nature. However, to the surprise of many people, this avian inhabits a relatively broad swathe of the globe. That’s due to the fact that it appears on three separate continents.
More precisely, however, it appears in a total of three separate continents. These consist of the continents of Asia, Europe, and North America. The fascinating animal commonly generally moves southward within its native range during the winter months.
The stunning raptor also has decided preferences for the type of region it chooses for its habitat. This holds true since individuals primarily inhabit forests that developed close to open areas. That further provides a combination of protective cover and good hunting.
Most individuals typically make nests in coniferous trees. Also, breeding occurs between February and July, and clutches average 4-6 eggs. The marvelous Long Eared Owl also shares one particular behavioral characteristic common to all owls.
That’s the fact that it generally hunts at night. Even among its kindred, this animal stands out for its skill as a hunter. The raptor remains renowned for being virtually silent while hunting. Its principal prey consists of a variety of small mammals, rodents, and other birds.
European Griffon Vulture
Eurasian Griffon Vulture Facts
- Finishing up this gathering of these 3 Beguiling Birds of Europe we give you the impressive avian named the Eurasian Griffon Vulture.
- This physically imposing creation of Nature and evolution typically goes by the informative common name due to its nature and range. It also holds at least one other, less often used general title, though. That’s the similar moniker of griffon vulture.
- Among scientists and related professionals, though, it typically goes by its formal designtion. Thakfully, that epithet remains much simpler for the layperson to pronounce that most such. That’s because it has the short and simple tag Gyps fulvus.
- The animal received that appellation due to the efforts of Carl Ludwig von Hablitz. Though primarily a botanist, the respected Russian scientist recorded the first official recognition of it as a separate and distinct species. He managed that feat in 1783.
- Fortunately, the amazing Eurasian Griffon Vulture seems to still be managing a population base that’s both stable and sufficient. That also appears to hold true across the entirety of its range. The IUCN therefore currently lists the bird as Least Concern.
- The animal nevertheless still faces multiple threats to its continued existence as a species. Most of these stem from the actions of mankind. It’s frequently endanged by poison traps set out by people. Yet it also faces the danger posed by climate change.
Eurasian Griffon Vulture Physical Description
The remarkable Eurasian Vulture Griffon quickly captures the attention of those who encounter one. Though few consider it beautiful, it nevertheless has its own brand of interest. All species on earth have their place and attractions if one views them properly.
This particular member of its specific Family stands out from many of those relatives for several reasons. For one, it boasts several subspecies. The sheer size of the bird also qualifies as one of those. While not the largest of them all, it’s still above-average in this regard.
It distinguishes itself from its kin in this respect in yet another manner. That’s the fact that it displays an uncommon type of the physiological characteristic of sexual dimorphism. This holds true since the animal shows gender-based differences in several categories.
Overall, individuals of the avian attain a length of roughly 37 – 48 in (93 – 122 cm). Wingspan also varies, ranging from 7.5 – 9.2 ft (2.3 – 2.8 m). Females do tend to reach slightly greater measurements in both these regards than their male counterparts, however.
Weights for the impressive animal, though, remain quite similar. Females average about 14.3 – 23 lb (6.5 – 10.5 kg). The males of the avian, though, attain a mean weight ranging from 13.7 – 23 lb (6.2 – 10.5 kg). Exceptional individuals do occur, however, regardless of sex.
But the Eurasian Griffon Vulture displays its gender-based differences in yet another way. It’s a bit of an unusual one, though. The males typically possess noticeably larger heads and longer bills. This does make distinguishing the genders slightly easier for the observer.
In terms of color, the intringuing creature presents a striking image. The majority of the body shows a light brown or tan shade. Its wings, however, present sharply darker brown hues. The large animal also manifests an off-white head, along with dark brown tail feathers.
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves
- Order: Accipitriformes
- Family: Accipitridae
- Genus: Gyps
- Species: G. fulvus
Eurasian Griffon Vulture Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology
The impressive Eurasian Griffon Vulture evolved as native to a moderately broad swathe of the surface of the earth. The exact region its zone of habitation, however, is clearly indicated by its name. That’s true since the avian inhabits parts of both Europe and Asia.
Within its European range, though, its presence remains restricted mainly to those countries that abut the Mediterannean Sea. This includes countries such as Greece and Cyprus. From there, however, the bird extends its range through Arabia and Turkey to central Asia.
Nature provided this specific species of vulture with a moderate degree of adaptability in terms of its choice of habitat. This provides it with an evolutionary advantage that some of its kindred lack. It’s adapted to a range of ecosystems across its native range.
In parts of its territory, it resides quite close to sea level. Yet, in other sections where the animal appears, it occasionally live at altitudes of up to 5,905 ft (1,800 m). On average, though, the creature typically builds its nests at heights roughly in the middle of these.
But, regardless of the altitude at which it makes its home, the bird displays decidedly strong preference for the type of ecosystem. This principally consists of regions of either open shrub and grasslands, or cliffs and rocky slopes. Few individuals live outside of such areas.
Like its relatives around the world, the Eurasian Griffon Vulture developed as a carnivore. Like them, it also mainly feeds as a scavenger, consuming the flesh of carcasses it finds while soaring high. It’s also highly opportunistic, showing no preference for type or size of animal.
The animal sometimes lives alone, but often forms loose colonies. It typically breeds on rocky cliff faces, where it places its nest for safety. Females generally lay a single egg, which takes about two months to hatch. An average lifespan in the wild is currently unknown.
3 Beguiling Birds of Europe
We hope that each of you enjoyed reading, and hopefully learning from, this article we’ve written about these 3 Beguiling Birds of Europe. It’s also our hope that doing so has left you with either a new or renewed appreciation for such wonders of Nature.
Unfortunately, however, many of their kindred around the world now find themselves facing strong threats to their continued existence as a species. Many of those dangers, in fact, stem from the actions of mankind. We must do all we can to protect and preserve them all.
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