honey guide

Or honey·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

Read the Ethical Consumer’s honey guide to find the best sources.

Read more on The Guardian

He had heard of this, that the Jur-chol could follow the call of the bird called the honey guide!

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While they were assembling, a honey bird, or honey guide, came fluttering by, and all the Hottentots ran after it, whistling and making the peculiar noise they generally do while following this wonderful little bird.

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Then she drew honey guides down her blue silk petals, made her pollen, and filled her quaint honey-bag with honey, just as if she expected a bee or a butterfly at any moment.

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

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