The Clever Cleaner Bird
Oxpeckers are more than just bird barbers—they’re survival tacticians. They eat ticks off large mammals like buffalo and giraffes, getting a steady meal while their hosts get pest control. But sometimes they’ll peck open wounds to feed on blood, blurring the line between helpful and parasitic.
They also act as early warning systems, screeching loudly when predators approach. This symbiosis works well for both parties—most of the time. By adapting their role depending on opportunity, oxpeckers survive through a mix of service and sneakiness.
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