Which rainforest bird lays its eggs in other birds' nests and is called the greater honeyguide?

The greater honeyguide is the rainforest bird that lays its eggs in other birds’ nests. Its scientific name is Indicator indicator, and it occurs across much of sub-Saharan Africa in woodland, forest margins, and other habitats.

This species is a brood parasite, meaning the female leaves an egg in a host’s nest instead of raising the chick herself. The honeyguide chick hatches with a sharp bill and may kill competing nestlings. This gives it access to the food brought by the host parents.

Greater honeyguides are also famous for interacting with people and honey badgers. Adults can guide honey hunters toward bee colonies by giving calls and moving from tree to tree. After the hive is opened, the bird can feed on wax and bee larvae left behind. The exact details of human–honeyguide cooperation vary by region, and not every guiding interaction ends with a reward.

The greater honeyguide is different from the smaller honeyguides, which are related African birds. Its unusual diet and breeding strategy make it one of the most specialized birds of African forests.