oxpecker

[ oks-pek-er ]

noun

1. either of two African starlings of the genus Buphagus, characterized by their habit of riding on large, wild animals and domestic cattle to feed on ticks.

oxpecker

/ ˈɒksˌpɛkə /

noun

1. either of two African starlings, Buphagus africanus or B. erythrorhynchus, having flattened bills with which they obtain food from the hides of cattle Also calledtick-bird

Word History and Origins

Origin of oxpecker¹

First recorded in 1840–50; ox + pecker

Example Sentences

Their close cousin the red-billed oxpecker is smaller with a more versatile beak, allowing it to feast on the parasites plaguing a bigger repertoire of hosts, such as zebra, impala, and wildebeest.

From National Geographic

Because the yellow-billed oxpecker has a more limited menu, it makes sense that it would keep a closer grip on its daily bread—even if it means sleeping on it.

From National Geographic

In nature, hippos have a symbiotic relationship with carp that swim into their moths and clean their teeth, as well as oxpecker birds who eat parasites off the hippos’ backs.

From Los Angeles Times

Related: A picture of loneliness: you are looking at the last male northern white rhino | Jonathan Jones A police spokesman told the investigative journalism group Oxpecker that the horns had disappeared from the police headquarters in the capital of Maputo early on Friday morning and had not been recovered.

From The Guardian

Oxpecker birds also regularly clean the skins of a number of African mammals, including zebra and hippos.

From BBC