Scaly-throated honeyguide

The scaly-throated honeyguide is a species of bird in the family Indicatoridae. They have a mutualistic relationship with humans in which they attract beekeepers towards bees' nests and then feeding on the remains, especially larvae.

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Distribution

Region

Sub-Saharan Africa

Typical Environment

Occurs in evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, forest edges, riverine woodland, and mature secondary growth. It is especially associated with montane and submontane forests but also appears in lowland forest patches and well-wooded plantations. Often keeps to the mid-canopy and edges where flowering trees and wild hives are available. Uses natural tree cavities and areas with active bee and wasp activity. Tolerates some habitat mosaic where forest intergrades with farmland and miombo-type woodland.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 2500 m

Climate Zone

Tropical

Characteristics

Size18–20 cm

Wing Span27–32 cm

Male Weight0.05 kg

Female Weight0.045 kg

Life Expectancy7 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

Honeyguides are famous for exploiting bees’ nests and digesting beeswax; the scaly-throated honeyguide is a forest-dwelling member of the group. It often capitalizes on nests exposed by humans or other animals and feeds on wax, bee and wasp larvae, and associated insects. Like other honeyguides, it is an obligate brood parasite, laying its eggs in the nests of other birds (especially barbets). Its finely scaled throat pattern makes it one of the easier honeyguides to identify by sight in forest habitats.

Gallery

Dorsal view, Arabuko-Sokoke Forest, coastal Kenya

Behaviour

Temperament

solitary and secretive

Flight Pattern

direct flight with short rapid wingbeats

Social Behavior

Mostly solitary outside the breeding season and rarely seen in flocks. It is an obligate brood parasite, typically targeting hole-nesting species such as barbets; females lay eggs in host nests and chicks often outcompete host young. Nests are not built by the species itself due to its parasitic breeding strategy.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Gives a clear, whistled series of notes, often a repeated, slightly descending phrase that carries through forest. Calls include sharp peeps and piping whistles, delivered from concealed perches for long periods.

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Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

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