Scaly-throated Honeyguide
NameScaly-throated Honeyguide
Common NameScaly-throated Honeyguide
Scientific NameIndicator variegatus
FamilyIndicatoridae
Wingspan (cm)30
Length (cm)19
Weight (g)47
Plumage DetailsUpperparts are olive-brown, streaked with darker brown. The throat and breast are whitish with prominent dark brown scaling, giving a 'scaly' appearance. The belly is yellowish-white, and the wings are dark brown with yellowish-green feather edges. The tail is dark with white outer tail feathers.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a distinctive, often repeated 'churr-churr-churr' or 'chick-chick-chick' call, sometimes a 'whit-whit-whit' or a trilling sound.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread in sub-Saharan Africa, ranging from Sierra Leone east to Ethiopia and south to South Africa.
Identifying FeaturesScaly pattern on throat and breast, Olive-brown upperparts, Pale yellowish-white belly, Dark bill, White outer tail feathers
Description
The Scaly-throated Honeyguide is a medium-sized bird characterized by its cryptic olive-brown plumage and distinctive scaly pattern on its throat and breast. It is known for its brood parasitic breeding strategy and its unique diet, which includes beeswax.
