A juvenile Yellow Billed Oxpecker delving into the orifices of this buffalo picking up ticks, maggots and flies as it holds on with strong claws and its long tail.
Also called the Tick Bird, the Oxpecker is actually after the blood which the tick has already harvested. Worrying the wounds of a host animal will keep them clean and therefore disease free but also stops them from healing quickly enabling the Oxpecker to have a continuous supply. It is said that they will consume ear wax to help with digestion. Mmm...yummy.
Commonly mating on top of their host a breeding pair will remain together for life. Often nesting in a tree hollow several non breeding birds will assist in feeding the young.
