bbsrc:

Are birds man’s best friend?

They say dog is man’s best friend, but would you believe a bird could assume the title of ‘loyal companion’? 

A certain type of bird is earning the title in and amongst parts of Africa. A wax-eating bird called the greater honeyguide works together with people to find wild bees’ nest. This relationship is vital between human and bird because it provides a valuable resource to both. It’s also the first time this kind of ‘human-bird’ relationship has been described.

During the honey hunting season, Honeyguides give a special call to attract people’s attention, then fly from tree to tree to indicate the direction of a bees’ nest. Local honey hunters follow the birds, subdue the stinging bees with smoke and chop open their nest. The end result provides wax to both the honeyguide and humans.

Read more

Image credit: Dr Claire Spottiswoode/University of Cambridge

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