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
Wisconsin Still Seeks Help to Solve Elk Poaching
Below is a news release from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. For 2025, Fiocchi partnered with the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation to increase the [...]
Public Helped Shape 2025-26 Elk, Deer Seasons in Idaho Panhandle
Below is a news release from the Idaho Department of Fish & Game. Public input plays a crucial role for Idaho Fish and Game during [...]
Colorado Lethally Removes Wolf to Address Chronic Depredation
Below is a news release from Colorado Parks and Wildlife. On the evening of Thursday, May 29, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) lethally removed gray [...]