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Red-billed Oxpeckers Use Stranded Hippos as Highly Tolerant Hosts

Hippopotamus returning to water with red-billed oxpeckers on its back
Research · Behaviour

A study published in 2026 documents an unusual interaction between common hippopotamuses (Hippopotamus amphibius) and red-billed oxpeckers (Buphagus erythroryncha) in the Salambala Conservancy in Namibia. The observations were made during a dry period when hippos had become concentrated in an isolated pool formed as the Chobe River receded.

From 10 to 30 October 2024, the researchers recorded how the oxpeckers used different parts of the hippos’ bodies and separated the birds’ activities into feeding and non-feeding behaviour. This offered an unusual opportunity to study oxpeckers on a semi-aquatic host, a type of interaction that has received far less attention than their familiar associations with terrestrial mammals such as buffalo, antelopes and giraffes.

Oxpeckers used the hippos for more than feeding

The birds did not use all parts of the hippos equally. They were recorded most often on the back, head and sides of the animals. Non-feeding activities made up the largest share of the observations, showing that the hippos were used for more than simply obtaining food.

When the oxpeckers did feed, feeding at wounds was the most prominent feeding behaviour reported by the researchers. Oxpeckers are well known for removing ectoparasites from mammals, but they can also feed on blood and tissue around open wounds. This is one reason their relationship with mammalian hosts can range from beneficial to parasitic depending on the circumstances.

Hippos rarely rejected the birds

The hippos were remarkably tolerant. Rejection responses towards the birds were very rare, even though the oxpeckers repeatedly moved over their bodies and sometimes fed at wounds. The authors interpret this as evidence that red-billed oxpeckers can opportunistically use semi-aquatic mammals when conditions bring the species into close contact.

The researchers also highlight the setting itself. Temporary and shrinking pools during dry periods can concentrate animals and create interaction zones that would be less accessible when hippos are spread through deeper or more extensive water. The observations document this behavioural flexibility in oxpeckers and a poorly known component of the ecological relationships surrounding hippos during seasonal drought.

Sources and image credit

  1. Lukubwe, M. S., Craig, A. J. F. K., & Byaruhanga, C. (2026). Interactions between Red-billed Oxpeckers (Buphagus erythrorhynchus) and hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius) in the Salambala Conservancy, Namibia. African Zoology, 61(1), 14–20. https://doi.org/10.1080/15627020.2025.2601710

Image: Bernard DUPONT — common hippopotamus returning to water with Red-billed Oxpeckers in Kruger National Park, South Africa. Source: Wikimedia Commons. Representative image for this story; not presented as an animal or scene from the reported study or event. · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Source

About this content: This story was produced with AI assistance within an editorial workflow developed by Wildlife Vagabond. Editorial responsibility remains with Wildlife Vagabond.How AI is used

Behaviour

SPECIES IN THIS STORY

Species in this story

Common Hippopotamus Hippopotamus amphibius Explore species Red-billed Oxpecker Buphagus erythroryncha Explore species

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