The least honeyguide is a small species of bird in the family Indicatoridae. It is found in sub-Saharan Africa.
Region
West and Central Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs across the lowland and foothill forests of West and Central Africa, including forest edges, secondary woodland, and riverine gallery forests. It favors dense thickets and tangles near clearings where host barbets nest. The species also uses farm–forest mosaics and cocoa agroforests when sufficient tree cover remains. It keeps to mid-story perches and often remains concealed, moving quietly between shaded branches.
Altitude Range
0–1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The least honeyguide is the smallest member of the honeyguide family and is a brood parasite that lays its eggs in the nests of small barbets, especially tinkerbirds. Like other honeyguides, it can digest beeswax and often feeds on bee brood and wax alongside insects. Unlike the greater honeyguide, it is not known to regularly guide humans to wild beehives. It is skulking and easily overlooked in dense forest edges and secondary growth.
GBIF generated mapped occurrences of I. exilis retrieved from gbif.org on October 1st 2023
Temperament
secretive and inconspicuous
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief glides between perches
Social Behavior
Generally solitary or in pairs outside the breeding season. A brood parasite, the female lays eggs in nests of small barbets (often tinkerbirds), sometimes removing or damaging host eggs. Courtship is discreet, with soft calls and short chases through foliage.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives thin, high-pitched whistles and short, repeated tseet or seee notes. Phrases are often delivered from a concealed perch and may be spaced at regular intervals.
