What is the bird on a crocodile’s snout?

The bird that is often seen perched on a crocodile’s snout is called an Egyptian plover or crocodile bird. This unique relationship between the Egyptian plover and the crocodile is an example of mutualism, where two species benefit from their interaction.

Quick Facts About the Egyptian Plover

The Egyptian plover (Pluvianus aegyptius) is a wading bird in the plover family that is found across sub-Saharan Africa. Some key facts about this bird include:

• It gets its name from its habit of standing motionless along the Nile River banks in Egypt.
• It grows to about 11 inches long and weighs around 4 ounces.
• Its plumage is light brown above and white below with black stripes on its head.
• It feeds on insects, larvae, worms, mollusks and other small invertebrates.
• The Egyptian plover nests directly on the ground, laying about 3 eggs at a time.
• It is the national bird of Egypt and is depicted in Egyptian hieroglyphics.

The Symbiotic Relationship

So why does the Egyptian plover perch and ride along with the crocodile? This unique interaction is mutually beneficial for both species.

For the plover, the crocodile provides safety and transportation. By perching on the crocodile’s back and head, the plover gains a safe vantage point above the water to spot potential prey. It also gets free rides up and down the Nile, allowing it to easily access different food sources. The crocodile’s sharp teeth and strong jaws also help flush out prey for the plover to catch.

For the crocodile, the plover provides dental hygiene and care. The plover feeds on parasites, loose scales, meat chunks and other debris stuck in the crocodile’s teeth. This helps keep the crocodile’s mouth clean and infection-free. The plover may also help alert crocodiles to danger with its upright posture and sharp eyesight. This mutualistic arrangement is beneficial for the survival of both species.

Behaviors Supporting the Relationship

Over time, the Egyptian plover and Nile crocodile have evolved special behaviors and adaptations that support their symbiosis:

• Tolerance – The plover is the only animal crocodiles tolerate on their heads and backs. This allows the necessary close contact.
• Communication – The plover has specific calls, movements and beak gestures to signal the crocodile.
• Gentleness – The crocodile moves slowly and opens its jaws slightly to allow the plover access.
• Alertness – The plover watches for danger and flutters its wings to warn the crocodile.

This symbiotic relationship does not extend to other crocodilian species that the Egyptian plover interacts with. Only with the Nile crocodile is this mutualistic behavior routinely observed in the wild.

The Process of Plover-Crocodile Mutualism

When an Egyptian plover approaches a Nile crocodile, a typical cooperative process ensues:

1. The plover gives a specific call to get the crocodile’s attention.
2. The crocodile partially submerges in the water to allow the bird to perch on its back.
3. The plover rides on the scaly back of the crocodile as it swims.
4. When the crocodile surfaces, the plover hops onto the crocodile’s snout.
5. The crocodile remains still, allowing the bird to pick at parasites and food scraps between its teeth.
6. The plover frequently looks out for threats while cleaning. Its wings flutter to warn the crocodile of danger.
7. The plover may also enter the crocodile’s mouth to clean its inner teeth and tongue.
8. After the session, the plover flies off in search of its own food, often still riding on the crocodile’s back.

This entire process relies on the two species cooperating and tolerating close physical contact from each other.

Legends and Folktales About the Relationship

The Egyptian plover’s symbiosis with the Nile crocodile has spawned many legends and folk tales in Africa. Some examples include:

• The Crocodile’s Dentist – Stories of how the plover keeps crocodiles’ teeth clean.
• Asking Permission – Tales of how the plover asks the crocodile’s permission before cleaning its jaws.
• Deception and Trickery – Fables of how the plover tricks and deceives the crocodile for food.
• Companionship – Legends depicting the plover and crocodile as lifelong companions.

These folktales emphasize the close, cooperative relationship between the two species. The stories have passed from generation to generation across Africa.

Benefits to Other African Species

The unique cleaning symbiosis between the plover and crocodile also benefits other animals and ecosystems in Africa. Some of these additional benefits include:

• Population control – Well-fed, clean crocodiles are less likely to hunt for prey, helping control animal populations.
• Ecosystem balance – Crocodile health aids the whole food chain and ecosystem stability.
• Nutrient cycling – Bird guano from the plover fertilizes the water, stimulating the growth of fish and vegetation.
• Water purification – Reduced crocodile waste and bacteria improves water quality.

By supporting crocodile health and food needs, the plover-crocodile relationship has positive ripple effects across African wetland ecosystems.

Threats Facing the Egyptian Plover

Although still relatively abundant, the Egyptian plover faces a number of emerging threats to its future survival, including:

• Habitat destruction – Draining of wetlands, damming of rivers, and irrigation reduce its nesting and foraging habitat.
• Increased agriculture – More pesticides and fertilizers poison plovers and their insect food sources.
• Hunting and trapping – Plovers are caught for food, their eggs are collected, and they become snared in traps meant for other animals.
• Disturbance – Increased boating, recreation, and industry on rivers interrupt nesting and social routines.

Conservation measures are needed to protect wetlands and limit disturbances to preserve this unique species into the future.

Research Insights Into the Relationship

Scientists have studied the mutually beneficial relationship between the Egyptian plover and Nile crocodile. Some key research findings include:

• Plovers spend more time cleaning larger, dominant crocodiles that can offer better transportation and protection.
• Juvenile crocodiles appear to enjoy the cleaning more than adults, floating motionless for longer times.
• Plovers eat an average of 20 parasites per cleaning session from a crocodile.
• The plover’s droppings help slow fungal growth in crocodile nests.
• Breeding plovers have increased success when nesting near patrolling crocodiles that deter predators.

Further studies are still needed to fully understand the social dynamics, communication methods and habitat needs involved in this symbiotic relationship.

Conclusion

The mutually beneficial relationship between the Egyptian plover and the Nile crocodile provides insights into the remarkable symbioses that develop in nature. By cooperating closely with each other, these two speciesUnlock more features and analysisgain major evolutionary advantages. Their unique ecological partnership is an integral component of wetland ecosystems across Africa.

While legendary and steeped in folklore, the “bird on the crocodile’s snout” is very real and has been shaped by millions of years of natural selection. As threats increase to both species, ongoing conservation efforts will be needed to protect the habitats that make this iconic animal interaction possible.