A month delayed breeding of the Eurasian Honey Buzzard in Kumamoto Prefecture, southern Japan

Abstract

In 2010, we observed an about one month delayed breeding of the Eurasian Honey Buzzard Pernis apivorus at Mt. Kimpo in Kumamoto, southern Japan. As in other years, however, the Eurasian Honey Buzzard came to Kumamoto in spring. We found a nestling which was about seven-days-old in a nest on 14 August. It seemed that the chick fledged on 18 September. Heavy rain in mid-July in the study area might have made this pair rebreed. On the other hand, good weather and high temperature in September probably contributed to the successful breeding.