The pallid honeyguide is a species of bird in the family Indicatoridae. The species is also known as the eastern least honyeguide. It is found in Angola, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Region
East and south-central Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs from Uganda and western Kenya south through Tanzania to Malawi and Mozambique, and west into Zambia, Zimbabwe, Angola, and the southern Democratic Republic of the Congo. Favors dry to moist woodland including miombo and mopane, wooded savanna, thickets, and riparian woodland. Often found along forest edges and clearings where host species nest in cavities. Utilizes areas with active bee colonies or natural hives for foraging.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the Eastern Least Honeyguide, this small African honeyguide is a brood parasite that lays its eggs in the nests of barbets and woodpeckers. Like other honeyguides, it feeds on beeswax and bee brood as well as insects, but it is not known for regularly guiding humans to bee nests. It keeps to wooded habitats and can be quite unobtrusive despite its distinctive, thin calls.
Temperament
secretive and unobtrusive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with direct, undulating dashes between perches
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs outside the breeding season. It is an obligate brood parasite, laying eggs singly in cavities of host species such as tinkerbirds and other barbets. No nest is built; chicks develop rapidly in the host nest.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives thin, high-pitched whistles and seee notes, often delivered in short, repeated series. Calls can be ventriloquial and are frequently the best clue to its presence.
Plumage
Pale olive-brown upperparts with a washed, pallid appearance and whitish to buff underparts. Throat and upper breast show fine, faint streaking. Tail is brown with pale or whitish edges on the outer feathers.
Diet
Consumes beeswax and bee brood taken from natural hives, as well as a variety of insects including ants, termites, beetles, and larvae. Will also take small amounts of fruit and other arthropods gleaned from foliage or bark. Opportunistically exploits disturbed hives or follows insect activity to locate food.
Preferred Environment
Forages in woodland edges, along riparian strips, and near cavities used by host species. Often near areas with wild bee colonies, fallen comb, or traditional beekeeping sites.
