The lyre-tailed honeyguide is a species of bird in the family Indicatoridae. It is monotypic within the genus Melichneutes. It is found in the African tropical rainforest :
Region
Guineo-Congolian rainforests
Typical Environment
Occurs from West Africa east through the Congo Basin to western parts of East Africa. It favors extensive lowland evergreen rainforest, mature secondary forest, and forest edges, often frequenting the upper canopy. The species can use selectively logged forest and tall secondary growth where large trees remain. It is most often encountered over river corridors, clearings, and ridgelines where males perform aerial displays.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This species is the only member of its genus, notable for the male’s spectacular lyre-shaped tail streamers used in display flights above the rainforest canopy. Like other honeyguides, it is a brood parasite, laying its eggs in the nests of other birds (often barbets), and its chicks are specialized to outcompete the host’s young. It inhabits the Guineo-Congolian rainforests of West and Central Africa and is generally elusive, more often detected by its whistled calls than seen.
Temperament
elusive and canopy-dwelling
Flight Pattern
swift-like with rapid wingbeats and short glides
Social Behavior
Mostly solitary or in pairs, spending much time high in the canopy. Males perform display circuits above the treetops, often at dawn and dusk. A brood parasite, it lays in the nests of other species (commonly barbets), and does not build its own nest.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives clear, whistled notes in repeated series, often carrying far over the forest. Displays may be accompanied by sharp piping calls and brief trills.
Plumage
Generally dusky olive-brown to gray-brown with paler, lightly streaked underparts; feathers fairly smooth and plain. Male shows very long, curved outer tail streamers forming a lyre shape and a small pale patch in the wing visible in flight. Female lacks the long streamers and is plainer overall.
Diet
Feeds on insects and their larvae, including bees, wasps, and other arthropods. Also consumes beeswax and hive contents when available. Will take small amounts of fruit such as figs, especially when insect prey is less abundant.
Preferred Environment
Forages high in the canopy and along forest edges, often near flowering or fruiting trees. May investigate natural hive sites, deadwood, and tree cavities where social insects occur.
