Spotted Honeyguide
NameSpotted Honeyguide
Common NameSpotted Honeyguide
Scientific NameIndicator maculatus
FamilyIndicatoridae
Wingspan (cm)32.5
Length (cm)19
Weight (g)42.5
Plumage DetailsUpperparts are olive-green, the head is greyish, and the underparts are white to pale buff with prominent dark spotting or streaking. The outer tail feathers are pale, often white, visible when fanned.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a series of high-pitched, repeated 'chick-chick-chick' or 'tew-tew-tew' notes, sometimes escalating into a trill.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in West and Central Africa, ranging from Sierra Leone eastward through countries like Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon, Gabon, and into Uganda and Angola.
Identifying Featuresolive-green upperparts, heavily spotted underparts, greyish head, pale outer tail feathers
Description
This medium-sized honeyguide is characterized by its olive-green upperparts and distinctive heavily spotted underparts. It is a brood parasite, laying its eggs in the nests of other bird species, and primarily feeds on beeswax and insects.
