Yellow-rumped Honeyguide
NameYellow-rumped Honeyguide
Common NameYellow-rumped Honeyguide
Scientific NameIndicator xanthonotus
FamilyIndicatoridae
Wingspan (cm)26
Length (cm)16
Weight (g)32
Plumage DetailsMales have a bright yellow crown, nape, and rump, with the rest of the body being dark olive-brown to blackish. White patches are visible on the wings, especially in flight. Females are duller with less yellow on the head and a paler rump.
Vocalization / CallA series of high-pitched, whistled notes, often repeated as "swee-swee-swee" or "tsee-tsee-tsee".
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest, mountain
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in the Himalayas and parts of Southeast Asia, specifically from northern Pakistan east through Nepal, Bhutan, northeastern India, and northern Myanmar to southwestern China (Yunnan).
Identifying Featuresbright yellow crown, bright yellow nape, bright yellow rump, dark body plumage, white wing patches, stout bill
Description
This small, stout-billed bird is characterized by its dark body plumage contrasted with a bright yellow crown, nape, and rump, particularly in males. It is known for its specialized diet, which includes beeswax and bee larvae, often found in montane forest habitats.
