South of the Sahara Desert in Africa are forests and fields where many wild animals and birds live. Among the animals are giraffes, rhinos, buffalo and warthogs. These feed on grass and foliage which often conceal insects that leap or fly onto the grazing animals. These insects eat into the skin of the animals, causing much discomfort and pain. Some animals will roll in a dusty spot in an effort to get rid of the insects. However, most of the pests just seem to hang on a little tighter.
The Creator has provided relief for the animals. The oxpecker, a bird about the size of a large pigeon, finds the insects good to eat and easy to get. The oxpecker clings to the animal’s back, side or head where, gently swinging its bill back and forth through the hair, it finds and eats the ticks, lice and other insects.
There are two varieties of these birds—one called red-billed and the other yellow-billed, both of which have dark wings over light-brown bodies, short legs and strong claws.
These birds spend most of the daylight hours on the backs, sides, legs and faces of the distressed animals and remain there several hours or even a full day, eating the insects. The birds may take naps or even get into noisy fights with one another, but the animals pay no attention. They never try to shake the oxpeckers off, even when they peck insects from tender spots like eyes, ears and nostrils. The animals seem to know the birds are doing them a big favor.
As a matter of fact, if the Creator had not provided such relief, none of these animals would survive very long, for the open sores the insects cause would result in infections that would have wiped them out long ago. Of course, the animals don’t understand that, but God has given them a sense that oxpeckers are really their friends.
The Creator has been kind to send these helpful birds to the animals. But some may ask, “Why does He allow the harmful insects to bother them?” When God created the world and all things in it, every insect was harmless. But when Satan tempted man and he became a sinner, all things were spoiled, including insects.
Have you admitted to Christ that you are a sinner and accepted Him as your Savior? If so, you are assured of a home with Him in heaven. And that’s good news!