Oxpeckers and zebras share a classic African symbiosis. Oxpeckers perch on zebras’ backs, feeding on ticks, flies, and other parasites that bother the zebra, which gives the bird a reliable food source and the zebra some relief from pests. Beyond grooming, oxpeckers also act like little sentinels, raising alarm calls when danger approaches, which can alert the zebra to predators. Nikon Z8 with Nikkor 500mm lens, ISO 4000, f/5.6 at 1/250th of a second.
We use cookies to enhance your experience while using our website. If you are using our Services via a browser you can restrict, block or remove cookies through your web browser settings. We also use content and scripts from third parties that may use tracking technologies. You can selectively provide your consent below to allow such third party embeds. For complete information about the cookies we use, data we collect and how we process them, please check our Privacy Policy
Oxpeckers and zebras share a classic African symbiosis. Oxpeckers perch on zebras’ backs, feeding on ticks, flies, and other parasites that bother the zebra, which gives the bird a reliable food source and the zebra some relief from pests. Beyond grooming, oxpeckers also act like little sentinels, raising alarm calls when danger approaches, which can alert the zebra to predators. Nikon Z8 with Nikkor 500mm lens, ISO 4000, f/5.6 at 1/250th of a second.
Beautiful image, Sean. Nice hood ornament!
A purposeful accessory for the zebra and a food source for the oxpecker. A win, win for all.
Haha! A lot of humans could learn from this!