Instead, it approaches humans and makes a loud chirping noise to attract their attention.
Then it flies in the direction of the nest.
Over the centuries, local tribes have learned to follow the bird.
On the contrary, its the birds that trained the humans to follow their lead and hunt for them.
This is one of the most extraordinary partnership between humans and a wild animal.
The unusual collaboration was first reported by a Portuguese missionary named Joao dos Santos based in Mozambique in 1588.
Upon returning, the bird perches again on a conspicuous tree or bush.
If approached to within 5 to 15 m, the bird takes off, still calling.
When they get close to it, the bird flies to another perch.
This pattern of leading and following is repeated until the bee colony is reached.
On arrival at the nest, the bird perches close to it and emits the indication call.
There is also a diminished response, if any at all, to whistling and shouting by humans.
After a few indication calls, the bird remains silent.
The resulting flight path finally reveals the location of the colony to the gatherer.
It may then leave the area either silently or start a guiding session to another colony.
The honey gatherers have also developed a special way of communicating with the bird.
The birds have learned to recognize this sound as an indication that the men are ready to follow.
This human signal, however, is confined to the Yao people.
A different cultural group living a thousand kilometer away might use a different signal that convey the same meaning.
They also eat crawling insects, spiders, and occasionally fruits.
The greater honeyguide is one of the few species of birds that can digest wax.
All photographs by Claire Spottiswoode
