Southern Boubou

Overview

The southern boubou (Laniarius ferrugineus) is a species of bushshrike found in southeastern Africa. Though its name and history suggest a relation to true shrikes, it belongs to the bushshrike group and is not closely related to the family Laniidae.

Identification

• 20–22 cm in length with black upperparts, a striking white wing stripe, and a relatively long black tail with white outer feathers in males.
• Underparts are white, shading to rufous on the lower belly, undertail and flanks.
• Females are similar but dark grey above with a rufous wash to the breast, while young birds are mottled buff-brown above.
• Distinguished from similar species by the rufous underparts and a bill, eyes, and legs that are all black.

Habitat

The species frequents dense thickets in forests, mangroves, scrub and gardens, and in drier regions it is found in riverside woodland. Its range covers southeastern Africa, mainly in southeastern Zimbabwe, eastern Botswana, Mozambique, and southern and eastern South Africa.

Diet

The southern boubou mainly feeds on insects, taken from the ground or picked off vegetation as it creeps low in bushes. It will also consume small rodents, lizards, snails and fruits.

Did you know?

Unlike true shrikes that perch conspicuously in the open, this bird is known for being shy and skulking, preferring to forage in dense vegetation close to the ground. Its duetted call includes a liquid 'ooo-whee-ooo' sound that can be mistaken for that of a black-headed oriole.