The raptor subfamily Perninae includes a number of medium-sized broad-winged bird of prey species known as perns. These are birds of warmer climates, although the Pernis species (European honey buzzard and crested honey buzzard) have a more extensive range.
Several of the species in this group eat mainly insects, and the honey-buzzards are specialist feeders on wasp larvae. Reptiles are also taken by several birds in this group.
Several authorities consider the vultures of Gypaetinae to be within or even synonymous with Perninae.
Taxonomy The cladogram of the Perninae shown below is based on a molecular phylogenetic study of the Accipitridae by Therese Catanach and collaborators that was published in 2024.
Genera ImageGenusLiving speciesEutriorchis Madagascar serpent eagle Eutriorchis asturChondrohierax Hook-billed kite, Chondrohierax uncinatus Cuban kite, Chondrohierax wilsoniiLeptodon Grey-headed kite, Leptodon cayanensis White-collared kite, Leptodon forbesi Aviceda African cuckoo-hawk, Aviceda cuculoides Madagascar cuckoo-hawk, Aviceda madagascariensis Jerdon's baza, Aviceda jerdoni Pacific baza, Aviceda subcristata Black baza, Aviceda leuphotesPernis European honey buzzard, Pernis apivorus Crested honey buzzard, Pernis ptilorhynchus Barred honey buzzard, Pernis celebensis Philippine honey buzzard,Pernis steereiElanoides Swallow-tailed kite Elanoides forficatus E. f. forficatus (Linn. 1758) E. f. yetapa(Vieillot, 1818)Hamirostra Black-breasted buzzard Hamirostra melanosternonLophoictinia Square-tailed kite Lophoictinia isuraHenicopernis Long-tailed honey buzzard, Henicopernis longicauda Black honey buzzard, Henicopernis infuscatus
References
External links