What does red-billed oxpeckers eat?

Red-billed oxpeckers, also known as red-billed oxbirds, are fascinating birds with a unique diet. They are primarily ectoparasites, meaning they feed on external parasites found on other animals. Here's a breakdown of their diet:

* Ticks and other parasites: These are their primary food source. They skillfully pick ticks, lice, and other parasites off the backs of large mammals like zebras, wildebeests, and even rhinoceroses.

* Blood: While not their primary food, they will sometimes drink blood from open wounds on their hosts. This is likely a secondary source of protein and nutrients.

* Fleshy parts of wounds: Oxpeckers may also eat the fleshy parts of open wounds, potentially helping to clean the wounds and prevent infection.

* Fruit: Occasionally, oxpeckers will consume fruit, particularly in areas where their usual prey is scarce.

While they may seem like parasites, oxpeckers actually provide a valuable service to their host animals by keeping them free of pesky parasites. This symbiotic relationship benefits both species – the oxpecker gets a meal, and the host animal gets relief from irritating parasites.