Mimicry
It has been suggested that the similarity in plumage between juvenile Crested Honey Buzzard and the Spizaetus hawk-eagles has arisen as a partial protection against predation by larger raptors. The eagles have stronger bills and talons, and are likely to be less vulnerable than the Pernis species.
Similar mimicry is shown by the juveniles of the European Honey Buzzard, which resembles the Common Buzzard. Although the Northern Goshawk is capable of killing both species, it is likely to be more cautious about attacking the better protected Buteo species.
Read more about this topic: Crested Honey Buzzard
Famous quotes containing the word mimicry:
“The character of the crowds is made up of mimicry and hostility.”
—Franz Grillparzer (1791–1872)