Novel observations of cleaning interactions between eastern grey kangaroos and three Australian bird species

Abstract

A variety of animals have been observed cleaning ectoparasites off of another species. In terrestrial systems, the most common interactions involve birds cleaning mammals. Despite the high density and wide distribution of kangaroos across Australia, there are almost no known records of bird-kangaroo cleaner relationships. Here I report multiple observations of bird-kangaroo interactions recorded with camera traps. This study replicates a previous report of Willie Wagtail (Rhipidura leucophyrs) cleaning, as well as details observations of two new bird species observed perching on Eastern grey kangaroos (Macropus giganteus). These results indicate bird-macropod cleaning interactions may be more common than previously reported.