KIONGOZI

Kiongozi is the Swahili name (meaning Leader) for Honeyguides (family Indicatoridae), a bird species of the order Piciformes. Also known as indicator birds, the greatest number of species are found in Africa whilst there are two in Asia. These birds are best known for their symbiotic interaction with humans, something which is assumed to have been developed from very ancient times. Kiongozi are noted and named for one or two species that will deliberately lead humans directly to bee colonies, so that they can feast on the larvae and wax that the humans, by age old custom, leave behind in payment for the service.