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The Yellow billed Oxpecker was considered extinct as a breeding species in South Africa by 1920. The main cause for its disappearance is the widespread over-hunting of buffalo and rhino during the late 1800's. The rinderpest epidemic that decimated cattle numbers in the 1880's and the subsequent use of arsenic dips for cattle also played a role.

The species has reconolised parts of South Africa and although still listed as vulnerable, is now estimated to number 150 to 300 pairs. The overwhelming majority occurs in the Kruger National Park.

Only one pair within a larger group, usually up to 5 birds, actually breed. In both the Red billed and Yellow billed oxpeckers.

The Yellow billed Oxpecker is slightly larger than its Red billed cousin. The feeding styles of the two species mean that they favour different hosts and different tick species.

The yellow billed Oxpeckers peck at, rather than scissors through the hair of their host.

Any more photos of either oxpecker specie out there? I would like to see a photo of a Yellow-billed Oxpecker. Did see them in Pafuri 2 years ago.

Richprins: Impisi, are you sure it was the "Voortrekkers road", as that is very far south! (H2-2)

Impisi, are you sure it was the "Voortrekkers road", as that is very far south! (H2-2)