Greater Honeyguide

Overview

Greater Honeyguide (Indicator indicator) is a species of Honeyguides (Indicatoridae) in the order Woodpeckers and Allies. A drab bird famous for guiding humans and honey badgers to beehives, then feeding on exposed wax and larvae; a brood parasite laying eggs in other birds' nests; unique among birds in its diet of beeswax.

Scientific Classification

Genus: Indicator; binomial: Indicator indicator; authority: (Sparrman, 1777). Typical size: 18-20cm. Average lifespan: 5-10 years.

Distribution

Breeding range: Africa.

Conservation Status

This taxon is listed as Extant (living) in the IOC World Bird List.

Remarks

No additional remarks recorded.