oxpecker
noun
ox·peck·er
ˈäks-ˌpe-kər 
: 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
The oxpecker may cause further harm by opening the wounds and drinking the blood, a behavior that has earned them a reputation for being parasitic.
—
Scott Travers,
Forbes,
18 Mar. 2025
Indeed, out of 100 rhino sightings, just 17 had oxpeckers perched on them.
—
Eva Botkin-Kowacki,
The Christian Science Monitor,
14 Apr. 2020
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Scott Travers,
Forbes,
18 Mar. 2025
Indeed, out of 100 rhino sightings, just 17 had oxpeckers perched on them.
—
Eva Botkin-Kowacki,
The Christian Science Monitor,
14 Apr. 2020
Cite this Entry
“Oxpecker.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oxpecker. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
