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Photo: Steve Garvie from Dunfermline, Fife, Scotland · CC BY-SA 2.0 · source ↗
Yellow-billed Oxpecker
Geelbekrenostervoël · Buphagus africanus
Larger and chunkier than its red-billed cousin, this oxpecker has a yellow bill tipped with red and a pale rump that shows in flight. It also lives aboard big game, picking off ticks and parasites and pecking at wounds. It clings to its host with sharp claws and a stiff tail, and gathers in busy little groups on buffalo and other large animals.
Log your Yellow-billed Oxpecker sighting — free →How to identify it
The bill is yellow at the base with a red tip, and a pale lower back shows in flight.
Listen for its call
Harsh crackling churr and hiss, much like the red-billed cousin.
Where to see it in Kruger
Less common than the red-billed, found mainly in the northern park, usually on buffalo and other large game.
Did you know
These birds will happily ride on a buffalo all day, sometimes even sleeping on their warm, living taxi at night.
Often confused with
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