The rhino can see only at close range and can smell only when the wind blows the scent to him.

Consequently he would be defenseless and at the mercy of the hunter if it were not for one thing.

Nature, in her wisdom, has sent the little rhino bird to act as a sentinel for the great pachyderm.
These little birds live on the back of the rhino and, as recompense for their vigilance, are permitted to partake of such ticks and insects as inhabit the hide of their host.

Whenever danger, or, in other words, whenever a hunter tries to approach their own particular rhino from any direction, windward, leeward, or any other way, the ever alert and watchful rhino birds sound a tocsin of warning.

The rhino pricks up his ears and begins to show signs of taking notice.