Greater Honeyguide

The greater honeyguide, a bird of about 20 cm in length and weighing approximately 50 grams, is a remarkable species. Males are characterized by dark grey-brown upperparts and striking white underparts, complemented by a distinctive black throat. Their wings are streaked with white, and they boast a conspicuous yellow shoulder patch. The bill of the male is a soft pink hue. Females, on the other hand, present a more subdued appearance and lack the black throat, with their bills being blackish in color. Juvenile birds are easily distinguishable with their olive-brown upperparts, white rump, and a combination of a yellow throat and upper breast.

Identification Tips

When identifying the greater honeyguide, look for the bold white patches on the sides of the tail, a feature common to all African honeyguides. The male's black throat and yellow shoulder patch are key identifiers, while the female's duller plumage and blackish bill can help differentiate her from the male. Juveniles stand out with their unique coloration, particularly the white rump and yellow throat.

Habitat

This species thrives in a variety of tree-rich environments, particularly favoring dry open woodlands. However, it is notably absent from the dense West African jungle.

Distribution

The greater honeyguide is a resident breeder across sub-Saharan Africa, where it is widely distributed in suitable habitats.

Behaviour

This bird is known for its unique relationship with humans, guiding them to bee colonies. It communicates with a series of "tya" notes, peeps, and pipes, which it also uses in aggressive encounters. The greater honeyguide is dominant over other honeyguides and even adults of its own species when competing at bees' nests.

Song & Calls

The guiding call of the greater honeyguide is a distinctive chattering sound, which is used to attract the attention of potential human followers to the location of bee nests.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the greater honeyguide is specialized, consisting mainly of bee eggs, larvae, pupae, waxworms, and beeswax, which they are uniquely able to digest. They are known to feed at bees' nests during the early morning when bees are less active, as well as at abandoned hives or those that have been robbed by other animals.

Breeding

As a brood parasite, the greater honeyguide lays its eggs in the nests of other bird species, often breaking the host's eggs in the process. The chick is equipped with a hook on its bill to eliminate competition from the host's offspring.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List classifies the greater honeyguide as Least Concern, indicating that it is not currently at significant risk of extinction.

Similar Species

While there are other honeyguide species, the greater honeyguide can be distinguished by its size, the male's unique plumage, and its specific behaviors.

Diet and Feeding

The greater honeyguide's ability to digest beeswax sets it apart from most other birds. It often feeds in the company of others of its kind, and its dominance hierarchy is such that younger birds typically have precedence over adults.

Conservation status

The IUCN has assessed the greater honeyguide as being of Least Concern, suggesting that, for now, this species does not face immediate threats to its survival.