For nearly two decades, BirdLife South Africa has been honoring the nation’s avian diversity by selecting a Bird of the Year. This annual tradition not only celebrates the beauty and uniqueness of South Africa’s birdlife but also underscores the importance of conservation efforts to safeguard these remarkable creatures. We are excited to announce that the Red-billed Oxpecker (Buphagus erythrorhynchus) has been crowned as the Bird of the Year for 2025!
Why the Red-billed Oxpecker?
The Red-billed Oxpecker, known scientifically as Buphagus erythrorhynchus, is a fascinating bird that plays a crucial ecological role in the African savannahs. Here are some captivating facts about this year’s honoree:
- Symbiotic Relationship
These oxpeckers have a remarkable symbiotic relationship with large mammals such as rhinos, buffaloes, and giraffes. They feed on ticks and other parasites that infest these animals, providing a natural pest control service that benefits both parties. - Distinctive Appearance
Easily recognizable by its glossy brown plumage, striking red bill, and yellow eye-ring, the Red-billed Oxpecker is a sight to behold. Their coloring helps them blend into their surroundings while they forage on their host animals. - Vocal Communicators
Oxpeckers are highly vocal birds, using a variety of calls to communicate. They produce sharp, hissing sounds to alert their host animals of approaching predators, acting as an early warning system in the wild. - Unusual Eating Habits
While oxpeckers are best known for eating ticks, their diet also includes earwax, dead skin, and even blood from open wounds on their host animals. This behavior has sparked debate among scientists about whether they are purely helpful or if they sometimes act as parasites themselves.

Although the Red-billed Oxpecker has been spotted at Likweti Bushveld Farm Estate, it remains a scarce and vagrant visitor rather than a regular resident. Its occasional appearances serve as an exciting reminder of the estate’s rich biodiversity and the ever-changing birdlife that passes through its diverse landscapes.
With more than 250 bird species identified to date, Likweti Bushveld Farm Estate is a true paradise for bird lovers. Whether you’re an avid birder or simply enjoy the sights and sounds of nature, the estate offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness South Africa’s spectacular avifauna in their natural habitat.
Come explore the beauty of the Lowveld and experience birdlife at its finest at Likweti Bushveld Farm Estate: where nature and luxury come together.