Lesser Honeyguide

Pogonornis minor

The Lesser Honeyguide (Pogonornis minor) is a small bird found in the woodlands and savannas of sub-Saharan Africa. It is known for its unique behavior of guiding humans and other animals to beehives, where it feeds on beeswax and bee larvae. This bird has a distinctive olive-green plumage with a yellow throat and black streaks on the underparts. It has a specialized brush-tipped tongue for feeding on wax. The Lesser Honeyguide is a brood parasite, laying its eggs in the nests of other bird species. It is often heard before it is seen, with its loud and repetitive call echoing through the forest.

Habitat: Woodlands and savannas