Elk are to some birds as a burrito truck is to college kids after last call at the bars. In other words, elk are a roving food source for birds. Throughout much of the year, elk are covered with parasites, such as ticks. Birds comb through their fur picking off ticks one-by-one, a win-win for everything but the bloodsuckers. Birds will also scavenge elk scat for any undigested seeds. The only time elk seem truly annoyed with their avian hitch-hikers is when the birds fly in front of their face and obstruct their vision or peck at their eyes. A quick shake of the head and the birds are back to plucking parasites.
Elk NetworkWhy do some birds flock to elk?
Conservation | May 10, 2018
Latest Content
Elk Habitat, Hunting Heritage Get Boost in Missouri, Arkansas
MISSOULA, Mont. — The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and its partners allocated $294,714* for a dozen conservation and hunting heritage projects in Missouri and Arkansas. [...]
RMEF Lauds Its ‘Driving Force’ During Volunteer Week
MISSOULA, Mont. — The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation honors and celebrates its dedicated volunteers for efforts to advance its mission during National Volunteer Week. “From [...]
Wisconsin Expands Elk Hunting Season, 2024 Application Period Opens
Below is a news release from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation helped with the initial 1995 restoration in Clam [...]