Oxpecker
ExploreBirds
Oxpecker
Buphagus africanus
Oxpeckers are small birds that help keep other animals clean by eating ticks and insects off their skin. They have a special relationship with large mammals like rhinos and buffaloes, where they get food and the animals get pest control.
Habitat: Grasslands
Appearance
The Oxpecker has dull brown plumage with a paler rump and a distinctive bright yellow bill that often features a red tip. Its strong, dark legs and sharp claws are adapted for clinging securely to the hide of large mammals.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesFamilyBuphagidaeGenusBuphagus
Category
BirdsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
An oxpecker can help a rhino by loudly warning it of approaching danger!
Oxpeckers will drink the blood from open wounds of their large mammal hosts!
Their scientific name, *Buphagus*, literally means "ox-eater" or "cow-eater"!
They sometimes eat earwax and dandruff directly from their giant companions!
Special abilities
Ability
Living Latch
Oxpecker has strong feet and sharp, curved claws that help them cling securely to the hide of large animals as they move.
Ability
Tick Terminator
Oxpecker can expertly remove ticks and other parasites because of their specialized, flattened bill, acting like tiny tweezers.
Ability
Alarm Announcer
Oxpecker can make distinct alarm calls that help them warn their large mammal hosts of approaching predators.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 20-22 cm
- Wingspan
- 33-38 cm
- Weight
- 0.05-0.07 kg
- Lifespan
- 8-12 years
- Top Speed
- 50 km/h
- Clutch Size
- 2-5
- Incubation
- 12-14 days
Diet & Feeding
These birds mostly eat ticks and other insects they pick off large mammals, sometimes even drinking blood.
Primary Foods
- Ticks
- Other parasites (fleas, flies)
- Blood (from wounds)
- Earwax
- Dandruff
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
symbiotic with
African Buffalo
Syncerus caffer
Removes ticks and other parasites from its hide.
symbiotic with
Black Rhinoceros
Diceros bicornis
Provides pest control and alarm calls for the large mammal.
eats
Bont Tick
Amblyomma hebraeum
A primary food source, found clinging to mammal hosts.
Traits
Wildlife
Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats.
Feathered
Feathered describes animals, primarily birds, possessing a covering of feathers.
Social
Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring.
Singing
Singing animals produce complex vocalizations, often for purposes of attracting mates, defending territory, or communicating within their species.
Grassland
Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
Insectivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates.
Symbiotic
Describes a relationship between two different species where they live in close association, often benefiting one or both.
Also known as
Tickbird
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Enjoy watching oxpeckers from a safe distance to not disturb them or the animals they help.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Oxpecker?
20-22 cm
What is Oxpecker's wingspan?
33-38 cm
How much does Oxpecker weigh?
0.05-0.07 kg
How long does Oxpecker live?
8-12 years
How fast can Oxpecker move?
50 km/h
What does Oxpecker eat?
These birds mostly eat ticks and other insects they pick off large mammals, sometimes even drinking blood.
Where is Oxpecker usually found?
Grasslands
How does Oxpecker hunt?
Foraging
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