For nearly two decades, BirdLife South Africa has selected a Bird of the Year to highlight and champion one of the country’s many extraordinary avian species. This annual initiative raises awareness about the importance of bird conservation and provides insight into the unique characteristics of the chosen species. In 2025, the spotlight falls on the Red-billed Oxpecker (Buphagus erythrorhynchus), an iconic bird known for its symbiotic relationship with large herbivores and its vital role in the ecosystem.
Nature’s little groomer
Also known as the Rooibekrenostervoël (Afrikaans), ihlalankomo (isiZulu), and ihlalanyathi (isiXhosa), the Red-billed Oxpecker is a small but remarkable bird found across sub-Saharan Africa. This species plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of large mammals such as buffaloes, giraffes, and rhinos by feeding on ticks and other parasites. In return, these animals provide the Oxpecker with a steady source of food and a relatively safe perch.
Highly social and vocal, Red-billed Oxpeckers are often seen in flocks, chattering away as they move between their hosts. When food is scarce, they can adapt by scavenging from carcasses. They typically nest in tree cavities, where both parents take turns incubating the eggs, and even non-breeding members of the flock assist in raising the chicks.
A conservation success story
Once under threat due to habitat loss and the widespread use of toxic cattle dips, the Red-billed Oxpecker has made an impressive comeback in South Africa. Classified as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the species has seen a resurgence in recent years, largely due to conservation efforts and the reintroduction of birds into areas where they had disappeared.
BirdLife South Africa’s Chief Executive Officer, Mark D. Anderson, describes this as “a conservation success story, as its numbers have increased, and its range has expanded.”
Dr Lorinda Hart, Birds & Agrochemicals Project Manager, further explains: “Although the population increase can partly be attributed to reintroductions into areas where they had previously been extirpated, farmers have assisted this useful species by using more Oxpecker-friendly alternatives to poisonous dips to control ticks and other ectoparasites on their cattle and game.”
Join the celebration
BirdLife South Africa will be rolling out various initiatives throughout the year to promote awareness and education about the Red-billed Oxpecker. These include educational posters, infographics, and downloadable learning resources for schools, as well as articles in African Birdlife magazine. Social media campaigns and presentations to interested groups will also form part of the awareness drive.
For those who want to show their support, Red-billed Oxpecker-themed merchandise – including T-shirts and pin badges – will be available for purchase through BirdLife South Africa.
*A special thanks goes to the Hans Hoheisen Charitable Trust, whose generous funding continues to make this initiative possible, ensuring that conservation efforts for South Africa’s birds remain a priority.
Previous Birds of the Year
BirdLife South Africa has a long-standing tradition of celebrating a different bird species each year. Some past Birds of the Year include:
- 2024: Southern Bald Ibis
- 2023: Cape Parrot
- 2022: Marsh Owl
- 2021: Secretarybird
- 2020: Southern Ground-Hornbill
- 2019: African Black Oystercatcher
- 2018: African Penguin
- 2017: Lappet-faced Vulture
- 2016: Chestnut-banded Plover
- 2015: Blue Crane
- 2014: African Harrier-Hawk
- 2013: Pel’s Fishing Owl
- 2012: Southern Banded Snake Eagle
- 2011: Cape Vulture
- 2010: Southern Red Bishop
- 2009: Cape Rockjumper
- 2008: Knysna Turaco
- 2007: Orange-breasted Sunbird
More on BirdLife South Africa
BirdLife South Africa is the country’s leading bird conservation organisation, dedicated to protecting wild birds and their habitats. Through research, advocacy, habitat management, and education, BirdLife South Africa works to conserve avian biodiversity and promote a sustainable future for both birds and people.
Their efforts span across various conservation programmes, including the Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBA) Programme, the Seabird Conservation Programme, and the Terrestrial Bird Conservation Programme. Their work not only benefits birds but also contributes to the broader goal of safeguarding ecosystems and the countless other species that depend on them.
For more information on BirdLife South Africa and how you can get involved, visit their website or follow them on social media.
