The oxpeckers are two species of bird which make up the genus Buphagus, from Ancient Greek βοῦς (boûs), meaning "ox", and φάγος (phágos), meaning "eater", and family Buphagidae.

Oxpecker, either of two species of the African bird genus Buphagus. Both species are brown, measure about 20 cm (8 inches) long, and have wide bills, stiff tails, and sharp claws.

Sep 17, 2025 · Have you seen little birds on rhinos and hippos? They are oxpeckers - small parasite-eating birds. Here are 19 oxpecker bird facts, including diet, symbiotic relationships with hippos, …

Oct 23, 2025 · The oxpecker is a native of sub-Saharan Africa that spends most of its life on the backs of its hosts. It feeds on ticks, larvae, and other parasites that infest large mammals like the black …

As they fly between large mammals, they give a distinctive “tsik-tsik” call. The similar Yellow-billed Oxpecker differs from Red-billed Oxpecker by having a yellow bill base and pale rump and lacking an …

Native to the savannas of Sub-Saharan Africa, they are known for their unique behaviour of perching on large mammals, where they feed on small invertebrates and even drink the animals’ blood, a habit …

Apr 6, 2025 · Discover 40 fascinating facts about the oxpecker, the bird known for its unique relationship with large mammals and its intriguing behaviors.

Mar 20, 2025 · There are few birds as iconic in the African bushveld as the Oxpecker. On a game drive at Londolozi, spotting these small yet tenacious birds darting across the backs of buffalo or perched …

oxpecker, common name for an African starling of the genus Buphagus. Also known as tickbirds, oxpeckers have very short legs and sharp claws, which aid them in perching on the backs of large …

Oct 22, 2024 · This account summarizes the life history of the Red-billed Oxpecker, including information relating to its identification, systematics, distribution, habitat, diet, vocalizations, breeding ecology, …