New data from field studies of Afrotropical honeyguides, examination of label data from specimens in most of the major collections having honeyguides, and review of the literature are bases for updating the biology of Afrotropical honeyguides, last treated by Friedmann (1955). Three species (Prodotiscus zambesiae, Indicator meliphilus, and I. narokensis) have been elevated from subspecific status, and two new species (Melignomon eisentrauti, and Indicator pumilio) have been described since 1955.