Meet the little bird that cleans a crocodile’s teeth for food

By Sheetal Kumari | May 20, 2025

Meet the tiny bird that picks food from a crocodile’s teeth

Say hello to the fearless bird that dares to clean crocodile teeth and survives to tell the story!

Egyptian Plover

(Image: Canva)

The Egyptian Plover is a tiny bird in Africa that has an unusual bond with crocodiles.

What is the Egyptian Plover?

(Image: Canva)

The bird is renowned for removing food particles from the teeth of crocodiles, like a living toothbrush!

A Fearless Cleaner

(Image: Canva)

The plover has a free lunch, and the crocodile has cleaner, healthier teeth — and that’s a win-win!

A Mutual Relationship

(Image: Canva)

Crocodiles don’t hurt the plover. They also get an advantage from the bird’s cleaning and don’t move during the process.

Why Crocodiles Allow It

(Image: Canva)

Egyptian Plovers are usually found along rivers and lakes in the sub-Saharan part of Africa, where crocodiles also live.

Where They’re Found

(Image: Canva)

They place their eggs in hot sand rather than nesting, allowing nature to incubate them naturally.

Nesting Habits

(Image: Canva)

Apart from crocodile teeth, plovers consume insects, worms, and tiny invertebrates that live close to water bodies.

Diet Beyond Teeth

(Image: Canva)

Despite the widespread saying, scientists argue whether plovers do clean crocodile teeth or it’s a myth.

Is the Story Real?

(Image: Canva)

Real or not, the Egyptian Plover and crocodile anecdote illustrates how unexpected and mysterious nature can be!

Nature’s Fascinating Bond

(Image: Canva)

Next: Meet the Lyrebird: Nature’s Master of Vocal Mimicry

Thanks For Reading !