tickbird

/ˈtɪkbɜrd/

Definitions

1. noun

a bird that follows a tick, typically the oxpecker, to feed on the tick’s blood

“The safari guide explained how the tickbird would follow the elephants to feed on the ticks.”

Synonyms

  • oxpecker
  • tick-eater

Antonyms

  • parasite-attractor
  • tick-infester