The lesser honeyguide is a species of bird in the family Indicatoridae that is widely distributed across sub-Saharan Africa. Like other honeyguides, it is a brood parasite that lays eggs most commonly in the nests of African barbets, but will also occasionally use the nests of other birds as well, such as starlings and woodpeckers.
Region
Sub-Saharan Africa
Typical Environment
This species occupies a wide range of wooded habitats including savanna woodlands, forest edges, riverine thickets, and dry thornveld. It is also found in miombo and acacia habitats and can persist in agroforestry mosaics and gardens with mature trees. It tends to avoid dense interior rainforest but readily uses edges and open-canopy areas. It often forages where wild or managed beehives occur and around sites with natural cavities suitable for host species.
Altitude Range
0–3000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The lesser honeyguide is a brood parasite that lays its eggs in the nests of other birds, most often African barbets, and its chicks hatch with small bill hooks that help them outcompete host young. Like other honeyguides, it can digest beeswax and often feeds on wax, bee larvae, and wax moth larvae. Although famed guiding behavior is best known in the greater honeyguide, the lesser honeyguide is occasionally reported to follow humans or other animals to bee colonies.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Adults do not build nests; females lay eggs in the nests of barbets and occasionally starlings or woodpeckers. Pairs are loosely formed during the breeding season, and males advertise with persistent calling from perches. Chicks hatch early and may eliminate host young, ensuring priority access to food.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A rapid, chattering series of notes delivered from a prominent perch, often repeated in steady sequences. Calls can include sharp ticks and trills that carry well through open woodland.
Plumage
Plain olive-brown upperparts with paler, grayish underparts and a faintly streaked throat; tail shows white outer edges with a dark subterminal band.
Diet
Feeds on beeswax, bee and wasp larvae, wax moths and their larvae, and a variety of small insects gleaned from bark and foliage. It may also take occasional fruits and other soft plant matter. Individuals often exploit natural hives or abandoned combs and may follow the activities of bees to locate food resources.
Preferred Environment
Forages in mid-story to canopy levels of open woodlands, forest edges, and riparian thickets. Frequently visits areas near active or former beehives and sites with nesting barbets and woodpeckers.
