- Bee-Eaters
- Bulbuls
- Darters, Herons & Hamerkop
- Dikkops, Korhaans & Koru Bustards
- Doves
- Ducks & Geese
- Francolins
- Guinea-Fowl
- Hadeda
- Hawkes & Eagles
- Helmet Shrikes
- Hornbills
- Jacana's & Black Cranes
- Kingfishers
- Loerries
- Ostriches
- Owls & Nightjars
- Oxpeckers
- Parrots
- Plovers & Waders
- Rollers
- Starlings
- Storkes
- Sunbirds
- Swallows
- True Weavers
- Vultures
OXPECKERS
Few will fail to notice these unusual birds, especially in the southern half of the Park. Usually found in small groups, oxpeckers prance about on the backs of a wide range of mammals, adeptly combing the coat in search of ticks, flies, and bits of dry skin. They are surprisingly well tolerated by most of their hosts, even being allowed to peer into the ticklish depths of an antelope's ears. Occasionally an animal may become irritated and flick a discouraging tail at the birds. They obligingly fly off, but soon return.
There are two species of oxpecker, both very similar in size and appearance.
The Yellow-billed Oxpecker (Buphagus africanus) is extremely rare and unlikely to be seen. However, the Red-billed Oxpecker (B. erythrorhynchus) is widely distributed and common, most often seen on the backs of impala and giraffe. As most of the animals are found south of the Olifants river, it is understandable that these birds are similarly distributed.
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