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
{| class="wikitable"
!Image
!Genus
!Living species
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|180px||Eutriorchis ||
- Madagascar serpent eagle Eutriorchis astur
|-
|180px||Chondrohierax ||
- Hook-billed kite, Chondrohierax uncinatus
- Cuban kite, Chondrohierax wilsonii
|-
|180px||Leptodon ||
- Grey-headed kite, Leptodon cayanensis
- White-collared kite, Leptodon forbesi
|-
|175px|| Aviceda ||
- African cuckoo-hawk, Aviceda cuculoides
- Madagascar cuckoo-hawk, Aviceda madagascariensis
- Jerdon's baza, Aviceda jerdoni
- Pacific baza, Aviceda subcristata
- Black baza, Aviceda leuphotes
|-
|180px||Pernis ||
- European honey buzzard, Pernis apivorus
- Crested honey buzzard, Pernis ptilorhynchus
- Barred honey buzzard, Pernis celebensis
- Philippine honey buzzard,Pernis steerei
|-
|180px||Elanoides ||
- Swallow-tailed kite Elanoides forficatus
- E. f. forficatus (Linn. 1758)
- E. f. yetapa(Vieillot, 1818)
|-
|180px||Hamirostra ||
- Black-breasted buzzard Hamirostra melanosternon
|-
|180px||Lophoictinia ||
- Square-tailed kite Lophoictinia isura
|-
|175px||Henicopernis ||
- Long-tailed honey buzzard, Henicopernis longicauda
- Black honey buzzard, Henicopernis infuscatus
|-
|}