Red-billed Oxpecker

Buphagus erythrorynchus

The Red-billed Oxpecker is a small to medium-sized bird found in sub-Saharan Africa. It is known for its symbiotic relationship with large mammals, feeding on ticks and other parasites that infest their hosts. This bird has a distinctive red bill and a brownish plumage with pale spots. It is often seen perched on the backs of rhinos, buffaloes, and other large mammals, where it helps in keeping the host animal free from parasites. The Red-billed Oxpecker is highly social and often found in flocks. It has a sharp, chattering call and is an important part of the ecosystem it inhabits.

Habitat: Savannas and open woodlands