oxpecker

noun

ox·peck·er | \ˈäks-ˌpe-kər

Definition of oxpecker

: either of two small dull-colored African birds (Buphagus erythrorhynchus and B. africanus) of the starling family that feed on ticks which they pick from the backs of infested cattle and wild mammals

Examples of oxpecker in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Not so fast–those oxpeckers are washing the bugs down with a healthy helping of blood. — Kat Eschner, Smithsonian, "Those Little Birds On The Backs Of Rhinos Actually Drink Blood," 22 Sep. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'oxpecker.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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