Timing of breeding of the redbilled oxpecker (Buphagus erythrorhynchus) in the Kruger National Park

Ixodidae and Tabanidae form the major foods of the redbilled oxpecker (Buphagus erythrorhynchus). Studies on the timing of breeding of the bird in the Kruger National Park, South Africa, in 1973-75 showed that, at the onset of the rainy season in August or early September, the biomass of Ixodidae increased on the mammalian hosts and was made use of for feather synthesis during moulting. During October, when there was a significant increase in the biomass of Tabanidae, it was possible for the birds to accumulate a sufficient protein reserve to initiate breeding.