National geographic розповідає про особливості птахів що очищають тварин

Oxpeckers, also known as tick birds, are a species found in sub-Saharan Africa that attach themselves to larger animals such as rhinos, buffalo, zebras, and antelope. Many people believe they're helpful, as they remove parasites from their hosts, but it's a little deeper than that.

Once oxpeckers locate an open wound on an animal, they continue pecking it open to consume the host animal's blood, and many scientists actually label them as parasites as well. They tend to target the same areas each time, preventing the animal's wounds from healing or even furthering the severity of the wound.

While some animals may tolerate oxpeckers, animals such as buffalo have been seen actively shaking them off, potentially out of discomfort. 😳 🐦

National Geographic