The image :IMG_1908, " The Yellow-billed Oxpecker Buphagus africanus nests in tree holes lined with hair plucked from live animals. Eats insects and ticks. Both the English and scientific names arise from this species` habit of perching on large wild and domesticated mammals such as cattle and eating arthropod parasites. It will also perch on antelopes such as wildebeest. In a day an adult will take more than 100 engorged female Boophilus decoloratus ticks or 13,000 larvae. Whatever the net result, mammals generally tolerate oxpeckers. The yellow-billed oxpecker is 20 cm 7.9 in long and has plain brown upperparts and head, buff underparts and a pale rump. The feet are strong. The adults` bills are yellow at the base and red at the tip, while juveniles have brown bills. Its flight is strong and direct. The call is a hissy, crackling krisss, krisss. `Distribution from Senagal to Ehhiopia and Southwards to Ovamboland on the west and Zululand on the east. Eastern Cape and northern Kruger National Park" Info : www.wikwpwdia.org and Roberts Birds of South Africa by Mclachlan and R.Liversidge

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