Honeyguides (family Indicatoridae) are a family of birds in the order Piciformes, known for their unique interaction with humans. Commonly referred to as honey birds, they inhabit tropical regions, primarily in Africa and Asia. These birds guide humans to bee colonies, allowing them to feast on honey and larvae left behind after the hive is opened. The greater honeyguide is particularly noted for this behavior, and studies indicate that it significantly increases honey-hunters’ success rates.
Typically dull-colored, honeyguides vary in size, with the green-backed honeyguide being the smallest and the lyre-tailed honeyguide the largest. They feed on beeswax, waxworms, insects, and occasionally fruits. Interestingly, honeyguides also exhibit brood parasitism, laying eggs in the nests of other bird species and often ejecting host chicks using sharp beaks.
While debate exists regarding their interactions with honey badgers, research suggests some localized cooperation. Honeyguides may occasionally lead humans to animals other than bees, though the reasons for this behavior remain unclear.
