Introduction to the Honeyguide

Origins

The Greater Honeyguide (Indicator indicator) is a bird in Sub-Saharan Africa, so named because of its tendency to guide humans (and perhaps other mammals) to beehives. 

However, it is not yet known exactly how this behavior developed, or how it became instinctual. There is also debate about whether or not this behavior came into existence out of a relationship with the honey badger, or "ratel", or humans. This website explores the different theories and arguments regarding this behavior and how it came into existence.


(Image: Nashville Zoo)