Melichneutes robustus
The Lyre-tailed Honeyguide (Melichneutes robustus) is a remarkably enigmatic and unique bird native to the dense rainforests of West-Central Africa. Measuring approximately 17-18 cm in length, its plumage is generally cryptic, featuring dull olive-green upperparts, a darker cap and wings, and pale greyish-white underparts. The most distinctive field mark, particularly in males, is its specialized outer tail feathers: stiff, attenuated, and curved outwards, forming a distinctive 'lyre' shape t...
Primarily inhabits dense, humid lowland primary and mature secondary rainforests. Typically found at elevations from sea level up to 1,400 meters.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on larvae of bees and wasps, as well as adult insects. Uniquely, it also consumes beeswax, a capability shared by other honeyguide species.
Highly elusive and rarely observed, the Lyre-tailed Honeyguide is more often heard than seen, primarily due to the male's unique mechanical display. It is a diurnal and solitary bird, often moving through the mid-story and subcanopy of the forest. Foraging involves gleaning insects, particularly ...
The Lyre-tailed Honeyguide is endemic to the humid rainforests of West-Central Africa. Its distribution spans southern Nigeria, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea (including the island of Bioko), Gabon, the Republic of Congo, the Central African Republic, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The specie...
Least Concern
- The male Lyre-tailed Honeyguide's 'song' is not vocal but a mechanical whirring sound produced by the rapid vibration of its stiff, specialized outer tail feathers during display flights. - It is considered one of the most enigmatic and least-known honeyguide species due to its extremely secret...