When we think of parasites we're more likely to think of a mosquito or a leech, some gross bug that latches onto you and sucks your blood. We wouldn't normally think of a bird, but there are many freeloading birds out there, more than willing to take advantage of another animal. There are even some birds that suck blood. Today we're going to a rarely visited corner of the avian world to find vampires, pirates and changelings. It's going to be fun. To support Bird of the Week and gain access to our second podcast, What's up with that's Bird's Name? click on through to Patreon: www.patreon.com/birdoftheweek Want birds in your inbox? Drop me a line at [email protected] and I'll hook you up with a free weekly bird. Would you like some bird art in your life? Then visit Seni Illustration for some bespoke bird art: https://www.seniillustrations.com/ Notes: Types of parasites: Fish tongue  parasite: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cymothoa_exiguaPhantom orchid: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cephalanthera_austiniaeZombie ant fungus: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ophiocordyceps_unilateralisCrab parasite: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sacculina Mistletoe: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MistletoeRat parasite: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toxoplasma_gondiiToday's birds: Sword-billed hummingbird: https://ebird.org/species/swbhum1?siteLanguage=en_AUScreech owl: https://ebird.org/species/easowl1?siteLanguage=en_AUScreech owl and blind snakes: https://www.earthtouchnews.com/natural-world/animal-behaviour/screech-owls-keep-blind-snakes-as-live-in-housekeepers/Cattle Tyrant: https://ebird.org/species/cattyr?siteLanguage=en_AUFlowerpiercer: https://ebird.org/species/rusflo1Skua: https://ebird.org/species/brnsku3Tropicbird: https://ebird.org/species/whttroFrigatebird: https://ebird.org/species/grefri?siteLanguage=en_AUTropic V Frigate: https://ebird.org/species/grefri?siteLanguage=en_AUOxpecker: https://ebird.org/species/reboxp1Vampire Ground Finch: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vampire_ground_finchBlue footed booby: https://ebird.org/species/bfoboo?siteLanguage=en_AUBlue footed booby mating dance: https://ebird.org/species/bfoboo?siteLanguage=en_AUWhite winged chough: https://ebird.org/species/whwcho1?siteLanguage=en_AU