It is not unusual for to see oxpeckers hanging around impala in the bushveld. These diligent birds are often seen sitting on impala’s backs. At times you will even see them perched on an impala’s head, pecking at the impala’s fur. However, this little oxpecker stood out from among the rest when he made for some humorous, poignant viewing.
This is because he was out on a mission to gather buck hair.
Oxpecker captures game viewers’ attention
Cameron, assistant head ranger at the reserve, shared the story with us: “It was just a regular game drive. We were actually observing a cheetah from a distance, resting atop a cliff. As I turned to talk with my guests, I noticed something unusual: an oxpecker was on an impala, and its mouth was full of hair.”
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Oxpecker collects buck hair as nest material
Cameron explained how the oxpecker seemed to be collecting nesting material from the impala.
Usually, oxpeckers and impalas have a symbiotic relationship where both benefit. However, in this case, it appeared slightly parasitic since the impala was losing hair without any apparent gain!
“I’ve been guiding for nearly ten years, and it’s moments like these that are truly enlightening,” Cameron told Latest Sightings. “It’s not always about the ‘big five,” he continued. “Sometimes, it’s these small, unprecedented interactions in nature which leave you amazed.”
A humorous moment as hair presents as a tiny ‘moustache’
As the oxpecker collected the hair, it stuck out from the bird’s beak on either side, appearing to be a little white moustache. It was a special moment, and brought a smile to Cameron and the others’ faces.
“With six guests accompanying me, we all witnessed this fascinating behavior,” said Cameron.
The bird continued to collect hair and the impala seemed relatively unphased by its activities. Every now and then it would turn its head to see what was happening, however, it was more than likely used to oxpeckers bustling around on its back.
Buck hair, the perfect material for lining nests
Further research reveals that birds, like oxpeckers, often use various materials for their nests, including hair from different animals. This observation is a testament to the ever-surprising nature of wildlife and a reminder of how there’s always something new to learn in the bush.
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A learning experience about the intricacies of nature
“Such experiences, though minor in the grand scheme, are what make each safari unique and memorable. It’s a reminder that the wilderness always lessons to offer, even for seasoned professionals like myself,” said Cameron.
Oxpecker departs to build nest
Having gathered enough hair from the impala, the oxpecker eventually took flight, disappearing from the game viewers’ sight.
It’s likely that the bird was headed to build its nest, as this happened during the oxpeckers’ breeding season. The bird’s departure marked the end of a brief but enlightening encounter.
For most birds, nest-building is an art and this little fellow had found the softest lining for its nest.