"The Greater Honeyguide (Indicator indicator) is, in the author's considered view, one of the most remarkable examples of inter-species cooperation documented in the natural world. The bird guides humans — and honey badgers — to wild bee hives using a distinctive chattering call, leading its partner forward, waiting when they fall behind, and resuming the lead until the hive is located. The human or badger opens the hive; the honeyguide takes its share of the honey. The name Indicator indicator — indicating the indicator — is among the more self-satisfied in the author's field notes, but is not inaccurate. The author has discussed this arrangement at some length in previous field entries and considers himself well-informed on the subject."
The call came from the acacia to the north of camp at twenty past seven.
Cetshwayo, who had followed honeyguides since before the Colonel had known what one was, recognised it from forty metres and set down his tea with the specific quality of a man who understands that the next part of the morning has been decided for him.
The Colonel recognised it too. He had, as his field note recorded, discussed this arrangement at some length. He picked up his notebook.
"Honeyguide," he said.
"Yes," said Cetshwayo.
They followed it.
The bird flew ahead in the manner documented — a short flight, a pause on a visible branch, the chattering call repeated, another short flight. The Colonel wrote as he walked: Guiding call. Flight intervals approximately thirty metres. Waits for confirmation before proceeding. Systematic.
He was pleased. This was exactly as he had described it in the honey badger entry. The system was functioning as he had explained. He was confirming his previous notes in the field, which was the most satisfying kind of morning.
The bird led them to a hollow log at the base of a leadwood, landed on top of it, and called.
The Colonel examined the log. He examined the entrance. He looked for bees. There were no bees. There was no hive. The log was empty and had been empty for some time.
He looked at the bird.
The bird looked at him.
The Colonel wrote: First site: negative. Bird error? Reassessing.
The bird flew north.
Cetshwayo followed without hesitation. The Colonel followed Cetshwayo.