Article By Ross Soller Photos by KevIn Ravno.

Swellendam boasts a rich diversity of birdlife, and among its fascinating avian residents are the Honeyguides—perhaps one of the least known yet remarkable bird families in the area.

We are fortunate to have three members of this intriguing family right here in Swellendam: the Greater Honeyguide, the Lesser Honeyguide, and the Scaly-throated Honeyguide. These birds are unique in their ability to digest beeswax, which forms a significant part of their diet, along with bees and their larvae.

The Greater Honeyguide has a clever strategy for accessing its favourite food. It alerts humans and other animals, such as honey badgers, to the presence of a beehive through its distinctive call. By doing so, the honeyguide encourages them to break open the hive, allowing the bird to feast on the beeswax and larvae. This behaviour is reflected in its scientific name, Indicator indicator. However, beware of cheating these birds out of their share—they are known to lead you to predators like leopards or venomous snakes as payback!.

The Lesser Honeyguide, despite its name, is equally fascinating. Unlike the Greater Honeyguide, it does not guide others to hives. Instead, it practices brood parasitism, laying its eggs in the nests of other bird species. It’s remarkable that these birds grow up eating a different diet from their foster parents and yet, instinctively, know how to find beeswax when they mature.

The Scaly-throated Honeyguide is a relatively recent addition to Swellendam’s bird list. Previously not thought to occur west of Grootvadersbosch, this forest-dwelling bird is elusive and has a peculiar insect-like call. Thanks to the generous donation of honeycomb from Jan and Elisabeth Folmer, owners of Omweg Farm and members of the Swellendam Conservancy, we have been able to observe these birds more closely and reduce their secretive nature.

For those interested in the local ecology, here’s a list of the primary host species for each honeyguide:

• Greater Honeyguide: Targets various hole-nesting species such as the African Hoopoe, Brown-hooded Kingfisher, and possibly Pied Starling.
• Lesser Honeyguide: Primarily targets Olive Woodpeckers and Acacia Pied Barbets.
• Scaly-throated Honeyguide: Targets Olive, Cardinal, and Knysna Woodpeckers.

Swellendam’s honeyguides are a testament to the wonders of nature, showcasing unique behaviours and adaptations that continue to captivate bird enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.