Birds inter-acting with giraffes....
The tickbird (or oxpecker)and the giraffe have a symbiotic relationship that some scientists describe as mutualism and some as parasitism. This interspecies partnership is lopsided in favor of the giraffe and other animals, because they can live without the tickbird, while the tickbird is dependent on them for much of his food.
A secondary benefit to a host from the tickbird's presence is a sort of early warning system, since the birds make a hissing sound if they sight an enemy. This is of less benefit to the giraffe than to other hosts because the giraffe has the advantage of great height and keen eyesight and is fully capable of spotting predators without the bird's assistance. The tickbird is likely of greater benefit in this capacity to the nearsighted rhino.
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