oxpecker

American

[oks-pek-er] / ˈɒksˌpɛk ər /

noun

either of two African starlings of the genus Buphagus, characterized by their habit of riding on large, wild animals and domestic cattle to feed on ticks.

oxpecker British

/ ˈɒksˌpɛkə /

noun

Also called: tick-bird. either of two African starlings, Buphagus africanus or B. erythrorhynchus, having flattened bills with which they obtain food from the hides of cattle

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of oxpecker

First recorded in 1840–50; ox + pecker

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

In nature, hippos have a symbiotic relationship with carp that swim into their moths and clean their teeth, as well as oxpecker birds who eat parasites off the hippos’ backs.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 13, 2015

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023