A Very Helpful Bird!

A Very Helpful Bird!

Today we meet a little bird that plenty of animals of the African Savannah know.. the Red-billed oxpecker! These little birds play a vital role out their on the plains, come learn more about them and find out why!

• Red-billed oxpeckers live in sub-Saharan Africa near savannas.

• They grow up to 9 inches long and weigh up to 1.75 ounces.
• They are listed is least concern by the IUCN.
• Red-billed oxpeckers insectivores. They eat ticks, fleas and other parasites off the skin of large mammals.
• They will also feed off the blood of a wound on those same large mammals.
• Red-billed oxpeckers have light brown feathers.
• They use a scissor like motion to grab those insects off the animals.
• Red-billed oxpeckers are known to digest earwax from their host animals. Scientists say it may help them with digestion.
• Red-billed oxpeckers are social and vocal.

Red-billed oxpeckers are interesting little birds. They do share a symbiotic relationship with their host animal, even if they do take in some blood. One bird can eat hundreds of ticks in a day and we know every animal is better off without all those creepy critters!