A short-billed bird that looks rather like a large, stretched-out finch. Dark brown overall with pale streaking on the back and flashes of bright yellow on the head and rump. Almost always seen in close proximity to the nests of Giant Asian Honeybees, from which it takes beeswax, and which often hang from ledges, trees, and cave openings. Dull color and bright head may recall some female rosefinches, but note the honeyguide’s comparatively small-headed appearance and unique behavior.