Indicatoridae

views updated Jun 11 2018

Indicatoridae (honeyguides; class Aves, order Piciformes) A family of grey, olive, brown, and white birds which have short, stout bills, and short legs with zygodactylous toes. Their skin is thick and so protects them against insect stings. They are arboreal, and found in forest and woodland. They feed on beeswax and insects, and are nest parasites. Their common name refers to their habit of guiding animals to bee nests, where they feed on the remains left by the animals that have plundered them. The largest genus is Indicator, with 10 species. There are four genera, with 14 species, found in Africa and Asia.

honeyguides

views updated May 17 2018

honeyguides See INDICATORIDAE; PICIFORMES.