Pronunciation: /ɑksˈpɛkər/

Definitions of oxpecker

noun a small bird that feeds on insects found on large mammals, such as oxen and zebras, forming a symbiotic relationship with the host animal

Example Sentences

A1 The oxpecker bird eats ticks off of the backs of larger animals.

A2 The oxpecker is known for its symbiotic relationship with rhinos and other large mammals.

B1 Oxpeckers are often seen perched on the backs of zebras, helping to keep them free of parasites.

B2 The oxpecker's diet consists mainly of ticks, larvae, and other parasites found on the skin of animals.

C1 Some researchers believe that the behavior of oxpeckers may have evolved as a form of mutualism with large mammals.

C2 The presence of oxpeckers on the savannah is an indicator of a healthy ecosystem with a diverse range of wildlife.

Examples of oxpecker in a Sentence

formal The oxpecker is a type of bird known for its symbiotic relationship with large mammals, as it feeds on ticks and parasites found on their skin.

informal I saw an oxpecker perched on the back of a buffalo, picking off bugs like it was no big deal.

slang That oxpecker is like the personal grooming assistant for those hippos over there.

figurative Just like an oxpecker cleans parasites off a buffalo, a good friend helps you get rid of toxic people in your life.

Grammatical Forms of oxpecker

past tense

oxpecked

plural

oxpeckers

comparative

more oxpecker

superlative

most oxpecker

present tense

oxpecks

future tense

will oxpeck

perfect tense

have oxpecked

continuous tense

is oxpecking

singular

oxpecker

positive degree

oxpecker

infinitive

to oxpeck

gerund

oxpecking

participle

oxpecked

Origin and Evolution of oxpecker

First Known Use: 1831 year
Language of Origin: English
Story behind the word: The word 'oxpecker' originates from the combination of 'ox' referring to the animal and 'pecker' referring to the bird's behavior of pecking for food on the ox.
Evolution of the word: Originally used to describe the bird species that feed on ticks and parasites found on large mammals like oxen, the term 'oxpecker' has evolved to encompass other species of birds with similar feeding habits, not limited to just oxen but also other large mammals.