he Egyptian plover (Pluvianus aegyptius), also known as the crocodile bird, is a , the only member of the Pluvianus. It occurs in a band across from Senegal in the west to Ethiopia in the east and south to parts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It no longer occurs in Egypt. The species was formerly placed with the and in the family, , but is now regarded as the sole member of its own family Pluvianidae.
The species is one of several doubtfully associated with the "trochilus" bird mentioned by the Greek historian in a supposed relationship with the Nile Crocodile.
The relationship between a Nile Crocodile and an Egyptian plover bird is one of nature's best examples of mutualism. When a nile crocodile needs a good flossing, he will simply open his mouth and wait. The plover bird will instinctively swoop in and pick tiny bits of meat from between the crocodile's teeth.
Egyptian Plovers eat worms, molluscs, aquatic insects (both adults and larvae), small flies, they will also eat seeds and particles of scavenged fish.
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Animals On Earth: Africa
AcakHere's the second book of the Animals On Earth Series, this time it's about African Animals which includes the likes of Elephants, crocodiles, lions, meerkats, mongooses, warthogs, caracals, cheetahs, ostritches, rhinos, tick-birds, buffalo, gazzele...
