The red-billed oxpecker is a passerine bird in the oxpecker family, Buphagidae. It is native to the eastern savannah of sub-Saharan Africa, from the Central African Republic east to South Sudan and south to northern and eastern South Africa. It is more widespread than the yellow-billed oxpecker in Southern Africa, where their ranges overlap.
Region
East and Southern Africa
Typical Environment
Found across the eastern savannas of sub-Saharan Africa, from the Central African Republic and South Sudan southward through Tanzania to northern and eastern South Africa. Prefers open savannas, grasslands, and lightly wooded areas where large wild ungulates and livestock are present. It avoids dense forests and very arid deserts but uses riparian woodland edges. Nesting occurs in tree cavities and occasionally in man-made structures near grazing areas.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Red-billed oxpeckers specialize in feeding on ticks and other ectoparasites of large mammals such as buffalo, giraffe, rhino, and antelope. Their relationship with hosts is mostly mutualistic, but they also consume blood from wounds and may keep wounds open. They often cling to moving animals with sharp claws and use a chisel-like bill to probe for parasites. Their presence can be a good indicator of large mammal activity in savanna habitats.
Clutch in a nest lined with impala hair, Kenya
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically forms small flocks that move between herds of large mammals. Often seen perching, clambering, and running along the backs and flanks of hosts. Nests in tree cavities lined with hair plucked from host mammals; pairs are monogamous and cooperative within small groups.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of sharp, chattering calls and whistles, often given in rapid sequences while on hosts or in flight. Frequently emits high-pitched ‘skwee’ and ‘tchik-tchik’ notes that carry well over open savanna.
