Least Honeyguide
Indicator exilis
Small, dark olive-green honeyguide. The face and underparts are dark gray, with a pale spot above the bill and a dark line below it. Sometimes shows strong streaking on the back and lower flanks. In flight, shows white patches on the sides of the tail. Found in forest and tree plantations. The main call is a slowly repeated “chreeya.” Similar to Lesser and Thick-billed Honeyguides, but smaller, and further distinguished from Thick-billed by the facial markings. Also similar to Pallid Honeyguide, but has a larger bill, and a darker and more patterned head. Similar to Wahlberg’s and Green-backed Honeyguides, but has a thicker bill.
Identification
The least honeyguide (Indicator exilis) is a small member of the family Indicatoridae.<p>The plumage of the adult least honeyguide is an olive brown, with dark grey colouration on its underside and face. Pale spots are visible above the bill as well as on the tail when in flight. A narrow white line from the front of the eye to near the nostril can be seen on adult birds and a malar stripe can be seen stretching from the mandible to the birds ear-coverts.<p>A small bird, the least honey guide measures about 14 cm and weighs anywhere between 12 and 23 g. Males of the species tend to be noticeably larger in size than the females.<p>The subspecies of I. exilis have often been confused for other closely related species. There are four known subspecies of I. exilis : I.e. exilis, I.e.poensis, I.e. cerophagus and I.e. pachyrhychus. These subspecies were initially thought to be the same as each other, however it came to researchers attention that they were in-fact separate. Even now there is some inconsistencies about the distribution and division of the subspecies.<p>Known slight physical differences between the subspecies are as follows:<p>I.e. exilis - Wings edged in part with a slightly more bronze colouration than those of I.e. cerophagus<p>I.e. cerophagus - paler and more yellow in colour than I.e. exilis, and wings have edged parts in a more yellow hue <p>I.e. parchyrhychus - darker neck and back than I.e. cerophagus
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Indicator exilis
- Authority
- (Cassin, 1856)
- Order
- Piciformes
- Family
- Indicatoridae
- Genus
- Indicator
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
The Least honey guide has been classified in 2016 as "Least Concern" by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Population trends for the species are unknown, and little is known about the species population details though it is not believed to be declining rapidly. I. exilis has a very large range and does not appear vulnerable under the range size criterion. It has been called "widespread, but not common" throughout its range.
- Population trend
- unknown
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
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