This is Bird Note.

The Cory Busterd stretches across the savannas of eastern and southern Africa.

Its crested head sits on top of a long neck and stilted legs.

With males standing 4 feet tall and weighing 40 pounds or more, Cory Busterd's are one

of the heaviest birds in the world that can still fly.

So it takes some effort.

Look closely and you'll see that this winged giant has a colorful companion.

A small bird called the Carmine Bee Eater perches on the Busterd's back.

It has a brilliant red body with blue accents on its head and tail.

True to its name, the bee eater eats plenty of bees and wasps.

Crushing them in its beak to avoid getting stung, then squeezing the venom out on a hard

surface before swallowing it whole.

The Cory Busterd and the Carmine Bee Eater have a symbiotic relationship where at least

one of them benefits.

While the Busterd searches for lizards, rodents, and other prey, it kicks up smaller insects

that the bee eater snatches up.

From the air, the bee eater could be watching for predators to warn the Busterd when it's

time to take to the sky.

But it's possible that the bee eater is grabbing a free ride and the Busterd just isn't bothered.

For bird note, I'm Kevin McClean.