The Egyptian plover, also known as the spur-winged plover, is the tooth-cleaner for the crocodile. This bird obtains its food by extracting parasites living inside the crocodile's mouth. It is in no danger from the crocodile which will open its mouth to allow the bird to enter and peck out the scraps of food from between its teeth and to remove leeches from the crocodile's tongue.

Apart from acting as a highly-efficient toothbrush, the Egyptian plover is also a security alarm. When any danger threatens, the bird will take sudden flight, its hurried escape thereby giving the alarm. Sometimes, the crocodile may not heed this warning. But if the bird considers the danger to be great, it will peck continually at the crocodile's head until it moves away to safety.