Black-headed Gonolek

Overview

The black-headed gonolek (Laniarius erythrogaster) is a distinctively coloured bush-shrike classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. It is generally a shy and retiring species, although it can become bolder in areas close to human habitation.

Identification

• Plumage: Distinctive black head.
• Vocalisation: A very distinctive duet where the male produces a loud, clear, bell-like sound that the female answers almost simultaneously with a harsh, grating response.

Habitat

Found across multiple African countries including Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda. It inhabits dry savanna, subtropical or tropical moist shrubland, and seasonally wet or flooded lowland grassland.

Did you know?

Although this bird is typically shy and retiring in the wild, it often becomes much bolder when found near human habitation and in gardens.