Red-billed oxpecker
Birds of Namibia
Introduction: Red-billed oxpeckers (Buphagus erythrorhynchus) also have sharp claws and short legs adapted for clinging onto to large mammals. In addition to the host animals associated with its yellow-billed counterpart, this species also cling to warthog, common waterbuck. The hosting restriction in the Caprivi Strip also apply.
Distribution: North-eastern Namibia only, notably along the Kavango and Kwando Rivers. Common in the Okavango Delta and Moremi Game Reserve.Diet: All food is taken from host's body surface. Eats mostly ticks and feeds on wounds, often keeping injury open to encourage blood flow, which at the same time keeps the area free from infection.
Description: Dark brown upperparts, dark brown wings, red bill and eyes, black legs and feet. Erythrorhynchus is Greek for 'red-billed'. Slightly small, and often confused with the yellow-billed oxpecker.Breeding: From 2 to 5 eggs are laid October to December and incubated by both male and female for around 13 days. Tree holes are lined with hair from hosts, along with dung, rootlets and grass.
Size: 20cm. Weight: 50g.
Dolphin Self Drive
3 Days - Two nights in the coastal town of Swakopmund, this is the ideal get-away for those living or working in Windhoek. Includes a catamaran cruise on the Walvis Lagoon
Elephant Self Drive
4 Days - Elephants, rhino, zebra & giraffe are just some of the animals you can expect to see while you are in Etosha
Springbuck Self Drive
8 Days - Etosha, Swakopmund & the dunes at Sossusvlei are the highlights of this trip
Puku Self Drive
10 Days - Botswana & Namibia combination self drive - includes Etosha Park and a mokoro trip in the Okavango Delta
Porcupine Self Drive
12 Days - Okonjima Bush Camp, Etosha, Damaraland, Erongo Mountains, Swakopmund & Sossusvlei
Meerkat Self Drive
14 Days - Okonjima, Etosha, Damaraland, Swakopmund, Sossusvlei, Klein Aus & Kalahari Desert
Leopard Self Drive
20 Days - Visits all the best Namibia has to offer including Okonjima, Etosha, Damaraland, elephant tracking, the Erongo Mountains, Swakopmund, Sossusvlei, Klein Aus Vista, Fish River Canyon & Kalahari Deserts
Honey Badger Self Drive
24 Days - As you would expect from our longest self drive safari, it visits most of Namibia including Owamboland & Kaokoland - two areas which seldom appear on trips through the country
