The yellow-footed honeyguide is a species of bird in the family Indicatoridae. It is found in Cameroon, Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Ivory Coast, Ghana and Nigeria. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests. It is threatened by loss of its forest habitat.
Region
West Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs patchily in the Upper Guinea and Nigeria–Cameroon forest blocks, favoring primary and mature secondary lowland evergreen forest. It uses forest interiors, riverine forest, and edges with dense canopy cover, and may persist in selectively logged tracts if sufficient large trees and cavities remain. The species forages mainly in the midstory to canopy, sometimes descending to lower levels near fruiting trees or hive sites. It avoids open habitats and extensive savanna. Forest fragmentation reduces its occupancy and movement between suitable patches.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This elusive forest honeyguide is named for its bright yellow legs and feet, which stand out against its otherwise olive-toned plumage. Like other honeyguides, it is an obligate brood parasite, laying its eggs in the nests of other birds, typically barbets or woodpeckers. It tends to be quiet and inconspicuous in the forest midstory, and is most often detected by its thin, whistled calls. Ongoing deforestation for logging and agriculture is the main threat to its persistence.
Temperament
solitary and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief undulations
Social Behavior
Typically encountered singly or in pairs within dense forest. An obligate brood parasite, it lays eggs in the nests of other cavity-nesting birds, leaving all parental care to the host species. Displays discrete courtship and maintains loose territories centered on quality foraging and nesting-opportunity areas.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives thin, high-pitched whistles and soft trills delivered from concealed perches. Vocalizations are simple and repetitive, often carrying farther than expected in still forest conditions.
