The yellow-rumped honeyguide is a sparrow-sized bird in the honeyguide family that is found in Asia, mainly in montane forests along the Himalayas. They are very finch-like but the feet are strong and zygodactyl, with two toes facing forward and two backward. They perch on honeycombs and feed on wax. Males tend to be territorial and stay near honeycombs while females and juveniles forage widely. They are brood parasites, laying their eggs in the nests of tree-hole breeders, possibly barbets.
Region
Himalayas and southwestern China
Typical Environment
Occurs along the Himalayas from Nepal and northeastern India through Bhutan to northern Myanmar and southwestern China (e.g., Yunnan and Tibet). It favors montane broadleaf and mixed forests, forest edges, and river gorges where large honeybee colonies occur. Birds are most often found near cliffs or large trees that host wild bee nests and in areas with abundant cavity-nesting hosts. It also visits traditional apiaries and abandoned combs when available.
Altitude Range
600–3000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A rare Asian member of the honeyguide family, it specializes in eating beeswax and will perch directly on natural honeycombs, including those of the giant Himalayan honeybee. Its strong zygodactyl feet (two toes forward, two back) help it cling to vertical surfaces. It is a brood parasite, laying its eggs in the nest cavities of other hole-nesters, especially barbets. Males often defend territories around productive honeycombs while females and juveniles range widely.
From Pabyuk-Naitam, East Sikkim, India.
Adult photographed in West Sikkim, India
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with undulating flight
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs. Males hold small territories around reliable honeycomb sites and perform display flights. The species is an obligate brood parasite, depositing eggs in the nest cavities of tree-hole breeders, particularly barbets; the young are reared entirely by the host species.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are soft, high-pitched whistles and thin seep notes, often given from perches near combs. Calls can be sporadic and easily overlooked in dense montane forest.
