There are 16 species of birds in this family. They are found in forests in Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia.

Honeyguides range in size from 4 to 8 inches in length. Most species are a dull green or brown and have white breasts and bellies.

Honeyguides have short wings and short to medium tails. Honeyguides eat beeswax and insects.

Honeyguides are nest parasites. The female honeyguide will lay an egg in the nest of another bird and then leave. She may also destroy any other eggs she finds in the nest to give her chick a better chance of survival. Eggs are usually left in tree cavity nests of woodpeckers or barbets.