Fun Facts About Birds
- Behavioral Compatibility: Not all crocodiles tolerate birds or other small animals getting close to them. However, some crocodile species are more open to interacting with smaller creatures, including plover birds, even allowing them to clean inside their mouths without reacting aggressively. This mutual trust is gradual and tends to be species-specific.
- Shared Habitats: In regions like Africa and parts of Asia, some crocodile species and plover birds share the same rivers and wetlands. This geographic overlap allows for frequent interactions, fostering a symbiotic relationship. Crocodile species in areas without plovers miss out on this unique partnership simply due to their location.
- Health Benefits: Certain crocodiles gain more from the “dental cleaning” that plover birds provide. The plovers eat food remnants between the crocodiles’ teeth, reducing the risk of oral infection. Crocodile species that rely on certain diets or are more susceptible to dental issues may be more inclined to accept this cleaning service.
- Mutual Adaptation: Over time, specific crocodile species and plover birds have developed a mutual tolerance, enabling this behavior to become a stable part of their relationship. Not all crocodiles have evolved to trust or rely on such interactions, making this behavior unique to specific species.
These factors together explain why this cooperative behavior is limited to only certain crocodile species, rather than being universal among all crocodiles.
Yes, the plover bird is known for its unique symbiotic relationship with only some crocodile species, where it cleans the crocodile’s teeth. This relationship is an example of mutualism, where both species benefit.
The plover bird feeds on food particles, parasites, and leeches that get stuck in the crocodile’s teeth. In return, the crocodile gets its mouth cleaned, which helps prevent infections and dental issues.
The interaction often involves the crocodile opening its mouth to allow the bird access, and despite the apparent danger, the bird remains unharmed. While there are anecdotal accounts and illustrations of this behavior, direct scientific documentation is limited, and the occurrence may not be as common as often portrayed in stories.