oxpecker

[ oks-pek-er ]
/ ˈɒksˌpɛk ər /

noun

either of two African starlings of the genus Buphagus, characterized by their habit of riding on large, wild animals and domestic cattle to feed on ticks.

Origin of oxpecker

First recorded in 1840–50; ox + pecker

Words nearby oxpecker

oxon hill, oxon., oxonian, oxonium compound, oxonium ion, oxpecker, oxtail, oxter, oxtongue, oxus, oxy-

Example sentences from the Web for oxpecker

British Dictionary definitions for oxpecker

oxpecker
/ (ˈɒksˌpɛkə) /

noun

either of two African starlings, Buphagus africanus or B. erythrorhynchus, having flattened bills with which they obtain food from the hides of cattle Also called: tick-bird