The spotted honeyguide is a species of bird in the family Indicatoridae. It is found in Angola, Benin, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ivory Coast, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Togo, and Uganda.
Region
West and Central Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs from the Upper Guinea forests across the Congo Basin to western Uganda, inhabiting lowland and foothill forests, forest edges, gallery forests, and wooded savanna mosaics. It favors areas with abundant cavity-nesting host species and access to wild or abandoned bee colonies. Often seen in mid- to upper-canopy, but also visits clearings and edges. Uses secondary growth and riverine woodland where suitable hosts and food sources are present.
Altitude Range
0–1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Spotted honeyguides are brood parasites, laying their eggs in the nests of other birds such as barbets and woodpeckers. Their chicks hatch quickly and possess specialized bill hooks used to eliminate host young, ensuring they receive all parental care. Adults are unusual among birds in being able to digest beeswax, supplementing a diet of bee and wasp larvae. They are typically quiet and elusive within forest edges and woodlands.
Temperament
secretive and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with direct, slightly undulating flight
Social Behavior
Generally solitary or in pairs outside the breeding season. An obligate brood parasite, it lays eggs in cavities of other birds; the chick often eliminates host nestlings shortly after hatching. Adults maintain loose territories centered on good foraging and host-nesting areas.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of clear, high, whistled notes delivered from a concealed perch high in the canopy. Calls include thin seep and piping phrases, repeated at intervals, especially at dawn.
Plumage
Olive-brown to brown upperparts with pale spotting and mottling; whitish to buff underparts heavily spotted or streaked. Tail shows pale spots or panels that are conspicuous in flight. Feathers are sleek, with subtle scaling on the throat and breast.
Diet
Feeds primarily on bee and wasp larvae and pupae taken from natural nests, along with termites, ants, and other small insects. Also consumes beeswax and other waxy substances, aided by specialized gut microbes. Will take small fruits opportunistically but relies mostly on insect resources and wax.
Preferred Environment
Forages in mid- to upper-canopy along forest edges, clearings, and near bee nests. Often investigates old or abandoned hives and cavities and may follow insect activity along forest margins.
