Renowned for its unique behavior of leading humans to bee hives, both its scientific and English names reflect this remarkable trait. While its guiding behavior towards humans is well-documented, there is ongoing debate regarding whether it also directs other non-human creatures to bee colonies.
Native to Sub-Saharan Africa, the Greater Honeyguide is a resident breeder in the region. It occupies a variety of tree-rich habitats, including dry open woodlands, savannas, and scrublands. However, it typically avoids dense rainforests found in West Africa.
The male Greater Honeyguide exhibits striking plumage, with a black neck and dark grey-brown upperparts contrasted by white underparts. Its wings feature distinct whitish streaks, along with a conspicuous golden shoulder patch. The bill of the male is notable for its pink coloration. In contrast, the female has a comparatively duller appearance, lacking the black throat seen in males, and her bill is dark in color. Juvenile birds display olive-brown upperparts, a white rump, and a yellow neck and upper breast, making them easily distinguishable from adults.
In addition to its visually striking features, the Greater Honeyguide plays a vital ecological role as a mutualistic partner with humans. By leading them to bee hives, it facilitates the harvest of honey, while also benefiting from the leftover beeswax and bee larvae. This unique relationship underscores the complex interactions between humans and wildlife in African ecosystems.
Despite its fascinating behavior and ecological significance, the Greater Honeyguide faces various threats to its survival, including habitat loss, deforestation, and unsustainable beekeeping practices.
Distribution
Angola
Benin
Botswana
Burkina Faso
Burundi
Cameroon
Central Af. Rep.
Chad
Congo-Brazzaville
Côte D’ivoire
DR Congo (Kinshasa)
Eritrea
Eswatini
Ethiopia
Gabon
Gambia
Ghana
Guinea-Bissau
Guinea
Kenya
Lesotho
Liberia
Malawi
Mali
Mauritania
Mozambique
Namibia
Niger
Nigeria
Rwanda
Senegal
Sierra Leone
Somalia
South Africa
South Sudan
Sudan
Tanzania
Togo
Uganda
Zambia
ZimbabweAnything we've missed?
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Terrestrial / Aquatic
Altricial / Precocial
Polygamous / Monogamous
Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic
Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal
Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd
Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No
