The ratel, or honey badger, inhabits Africa. It has a very pale coloration on the top of its head and back, contrasting sharply with dark colored sides, legs, and underside. It eats small animals, carion, and the young of large mammals. It is particlarly fond of bees nests for their honey and larva. It has an unusual partnership with a type of bird, called the honey guide (Indicator indicator). The bird will locate a bee's nest, then give a particular call. A ratel that hears the call will follow the bird back to the bee's nest. The bird is paid for its efforts by the ratel ripping the nest open, exposing enough honey and larva for the bird to eat its fill.