#working relationship
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.
Image credit: Dr Claire Spottiswoode/University of Cambridge
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