Yellow-billed Oxpecker

Buphagus africanus

Perched on the backs of buffalo, giraffes, and zebras, the Yellow-billed Oxpecker picks ticks and parasites from its hosts' skin with its distinctive bright yellow bill tipped in red. Found across sub-Saharan Africa's savannas, it spends nearly its entire life on large mammals. The relationship benefits both parties — though the birds also peck at open wounds for blood.