However one study of impalas found that impalas which were used by oxpeckers spent less time grooming themselves suggesting they had fewer parasites. Oxpeckers do eat ticks, but often the ticks that have already fed on the ungulate host and there has been no proven statistically significant link between oxpecker presence and reduced ectoparasite load. They were originally thought to be an example of mutualism, but recent evidence suggests that oxpeckers may be parasites instead. Oxpecker/mammal interactions are the subject of some debate and ongoing research. They feed on ectoparasites, particularly ticks, as well as insects infecting wounds and the flesh and blood of some wounds as well. In many parts of their range they now feed on cattle, but avoid camels. The smallest regularly used species is the impala, probably because of the heavy tick load and social nature of that species. Certain species seem preferred, whereas others, like the Lichtenstein's hartebeest or topi are generally avoided. Oxpeckers feed exclusively on the backs of large mammals. This would make the two species of Buphagus something like living fossils.ĭiet and feeding Their names come from their habit of perching on large mammals (both wild and domesticated) such as cattle or rhinoceroses, and eating ticks, botfly larvae, and other parasites.Īccording to the more recent studies of phylogeny, the oxpeckers are an ancient line related to the Mimidae ( mockingbirds, thrashers &c.) and starlings, but not particularly close to either.Ĭonsidering the known biogeography (distribution) of these groups, the most plausible explanation seems that the oxpecker lineage originated in Eastern or Southeastern Asia like the other two. Oxpeckers are endemic to the savanna of Sub- Saharan Africa. The oxpeckers are the two species of bird which make up the family Buphagidae. Redbilled Oxpeckers on a Rhinoceros Yellow-billed Oxpeckers on an Ass
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