Yellow-rumped Honeyguide
Indicator xanthonotus
A short-billed bird that looks rather like a large, stretched-out finch. Dark brown overall with pale streaking on the back and flashes of bright yellow on the head and rump. Almost always seen in close proximity to the nests of Giant Asian Honeybees, from which it takes beeswax, and which often hang from ledges, trees, and cave openings. Dull color and bright head may recall some female rosefinches, but note the honeyguide’s comparatively small-headed appearance and unique behavior.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Indicator xanthonotus
- Authority
- Blyth, 1842
- Order
- Piciformes
- Family
- Indicatoridae
- Genus
- Indicator
Range and habitat
The species has been recorded from northern Pakistan (Hazara and Murree Hills) but the population here may have been extirpated and then in the Himalayan regions of India from western Uttar Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh extending into Nepal, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh and Bhutan (where it is relatively common). It is also found in southeastern Tibet and northern Myanmar. It is found in coniferous and dry-deciduous forest with rocky boulders and cliffs. May make altitudinal movements seasonally.
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
A chipping call is produced in flight and when agitated. The flight is straight (may sometimes be undulating) and direct, sometimes in flocks of 20 to 30 birds. At deserted honeycombs, the bird clings tight and presses its tail on the surface of the comb. They feed mainly on the foundation wax of Apis laboriosa that attach the comb to rocks. They feed on active beehives without disturbing the bees much. They have been observed to make use of the attacks of Vespa mandarinia on Apis laboriosa colonies.<p>A display of a male involved fluffing its feathers, holding the bill high and flicking wings while swaying from side to side. A female was observed flicking its tail and pressing it down with wings drooped before being mounted by a male. They are brood parasites, laying their eggs in the nest of host species. The host species for the yellow-rumped honeyguide are as yet unknown and undocumented. Young birds of honeyguide species have bill-hooks with which they destroy the eggs and chicks of the host. The male holds territories around hives and are polygynous, allowing females with whom it had mated and their young into the territories. This mating system has been termed as "resource-based non-harem polygyny".<p>Unlike other honeyguides, this species has not been observed to lead humans and bears to bee hives.
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
White-throated Swallow
Hirundo albigularis
A swallow with a small rufous patch on the forehead and a diagnostic complete steel-blue breast band which forms a white throat patch. This migrant breeds in South Africa in the Austral summer, September to April, and spends the non-breeding period (May to August) in south-central Africa. It prefers foraging in pairs or groups, sometimes with other swallow species, in grassland, light woodland, and floodplains, and is often seen perching on fences or on posts near water.
Mascarene Petrel
Pseudobulweria aterrima
An entirely dark petrel that usually has a cross-like shape in flight. Note the large, square head, the thick bill, and the long rear. Critically endangered; nests on cliffs and crevices on the island of Reunion and feeds in the surrounding ocean. The vocalization is an eerie scream, given at night around breeding sites. Separation from several similar species is tricky. Most similar to Great-winged Petrel, and distinguished only by subtle differences, including the heavier head and bill, longer neck and tail, more rounded wing, and less explosive flight. Also similar to Jouanin’s Petrel, but identified by larger size, longer wings that are held straighter, and shorter rear. Separated from Wedge-tailed Shearwater by the much heavier bill, and from dark-morph Trindade Petrel by the lack of a silver flash in the underwing.
Scrub Euphonia
Euphonia affinis
Tiny finch of tropical lowlands and foothills, especially in drier areas. Occurs from eastern Mexico to Costa Rica, where it is found in open woodland, forest edge, and clearings with trees. Usually in pairs, sometimes small groups that associate readily with other euphonias, especially when feeding at mistletoe. Male has black head and throat with yellow forehead patch; female rather drab, but lacks vested appearance of female Yellow-throated Euphonia, which is slightly larger.
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.