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Honeyguide

Honeyguides
Scientific classification
Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Chordata
Class:Aves
Order:Piciformes
Family:Indicatoridae
Genera
Indicator
Melichneutes
Prodotiscus

Honeyguides are near passerine birds of the order Piciformes.They have an Old World tropical distribution, with the greatest number of species in Africa and a few in Asia.

These dull coloured birds, related to the barbets, are insect-eaters, often feeding on bees and wasps, together with their honey and wax. Their English and scientific names both refer to the habit of some species of leading humans or suitable large mammals, such as the ratel or "honey badger," to bee's nests. When the larger species breaks into the nest, the birds will take their share too.

Order Piciformes

The last two families are sometimes separated as the order Gabuliformes.

Species list