honey guide

or honey·guide

noun

1. any of several small, usually dull-colored birds of the family Indicatoridae, of Africa and southern Asia, certain species of which are noted for their habit of leading people or animals to nests of honeybees in order to feed on the honey, larvae, and wax of the nests after they have been broken open.

honey guide

noun

1. any small bird of the family Indicatoridae, inhabiting tropical forests of Africa and Asia and feeding on beeswax, honey, and insects: order Piciformes (woodpeckers, etc)

Word History and Origins

Origin of honey guide¹

First recorded in 1780–90

Example Sentences

Two men who accompanied our guide called out every now and then to attract the attention of the honey-guide, but none appeared.

From Project Gutenberg

We remained near a small hill, called Maundo, where we began to be frequently invited by the honey-guide ('Cuculus indicator').

From Project Gutenberg

Again abundance of honey was obtained through the means of the “honey guide.”

From Project Gutenberg

It is as follows:—In Africa there is a bird—a species of cuckoo—known as the Indicator bird, or honey guide.

From Project Gutenberg

All leaped to their feet, therefore, with the determination to follow the “honey-guide,” go where it would.

From Project Gutenberg