STURNIU.E. 221 



while seeking for the parasitical insects that annoy 

 those animals. 



The type of the race — 



The Ox-pecker, or African Beef-eater {Buphaga Afri- 

 cana), is a common bird in many parts of Africa, where 

 it follows the singular mode of life that has obtained for 

 it its name. Perching upon the backs of oxen, or other 

 cattle, it sets to work busily to extract from their skins 

 the larvse of the CEstridce, or Bot-flies, with which they 

 are almost constantly infested, and which often give rise 

 to painful tumours. It creeps about in all directions 

 upon the body of the ox by means of its powerful feet, 

 which exhibit some resemblance to those of the Wood- 

 })ecker, although the toes are in the ordinary position. 

 The bill of the bird is well adapted for digging and 

 squeezing out these larvae ; it is short and stout, and 

 inflated towards its extremity. The cattle are said to 

 submit with exemplary patience to the operation, as if 

 aware of the l^enefit to be derived from it. The Ox-pecker 

 measures between eight and nine inches in length ; it lives 

 in small bands, consisting of seven or eight individuals, 

 and is very shy. 



Besides the larvae of the Breeze-fly, for which they show 

 a decided preference, these birds eat all kinds, of insects, 

 bird-lice, and similar creatures. 



