The Rhino’s Guard – the Red-Billed Oxpecker
The Red-Billed Oxpecker’s scientific name is Buphagus erythrorynchus. Bu means Ox, phagus means eat, erythro means red and rhynchus means nose. They are insect eaters rather than Ox eaters. Here’s one in its natural habitat, surrounded by dinner.
The Swahili name of the Red-Billed Oxpecker is Askari wa kifaru which means The Rhino’s Guard.
Kiswahili is Kenya’s unifying language. English is used in government, education, business and the law. There are over sixty other languages in three main groups, Bantu, Nilotic and Cushitic. One of the Bantu languages in the one we heard most in Wamunyu where we were volunteering, which is called Kamba.
Everywhere in the world, wherever the country and whatever the language, species have the same scientific name. This one is all based upon Ancient Greek. The Ancient Greek’s reach across human history has been immense. It certainly didn’t stop when the Romans conquered them.
More adventures on safari in Kenya
Southern Ground Hornbills There's a massive bird as big as a Turkey wandering through the close-cropped grass. It has a strange-shaped bill, a… read more
Common Drongos Today's another chance for me to appreciate Common Drongos. They have distinctive forked tails and intense red eyes set in… read more
Lilac-Breasted Roller attack Sometimes there's such an extraordinary moment and it seems impossible that you could have captured it. There's a dispute between… read more
Grey Crowned Crane It's one metre tall and has a two metre wingspan. It has a ridiculous crown. It has an inflatable red… read more
Can you kneel on your wrists? Common Warthogs are fabulous creatures. Just look at that hairy face! I love this one's blonde moustache and perky tail.… read more
The street performer – a Bateleur Eagle with a rat We spotted a Bateleur Eagle as soon as we arrived in the Masai Mara. It was distant. All I could… read more
Black-Headed Heron There's a Black-Headed Heron with what looks like a snake. I know they eat fish and amphibians, but I didn't… read more
A male Pied Kingfisher There's a perched male Pied Kingfisher on a branch nearby here in the Masai Mara. They are large, impressive birds.… read more
Cattle Egret portrait I've seen Cattle Egrets in Devon, but never been as close as I am now to this Cattle Egret in… read more
Playful Lion There's nothing more fulfilling in wildlife photography than having an animal be completely relaxed in your presence. Seeing a lion… read more
Elephant and Egret This is a Cattle Egret Someone needs to tell it that. Because this is an Elephant. read more
A Lion’s yawn shows its lingual frenulum This male Lion is having a bit of a yawn. I adore the wrinkles on its nose and its wavy,… read more