Genus Pluvianus

Egyptian Plover - It is also sometimes referred to as the Crocodile Bird because it is famous for its symbiotic relationship with crocodiles . According to a story dating to Herodotus, the crocodiles lie on the shore with their mouths open, and the plovers fly into the crocodiles' mouths so as to feed on bits of decaying meat that are lodged between the crocodiles' teeth. The crocodiles do not eat the plovers, as the plovers are providing the crocodiles with greatly-needed dentistry. Two prominent ornithologists have supported this story anecdotally, but the behaviour has never been authenticated .