Papyrus Gonolek

Overview

The papyrus gonolek (Laniarius mufumbiri) is a medium-sized bird in the family Malaconotidae found in several East and Central African countries. It is classified as Near Threatened due to habitat loss and pollution, despite an estimated population of two million adults.

Identification

• Medium-sized bush-shrike measuring approximately 18 cm (7 in) in length.
• Plumage features a dull yellow crown, black head, upper parts, wings, and tail, with a distinct broad white bar on the wings.
• Breast and upper belly are vivid orange-crimson, while the lower belly is whitish.
• Calls consist of brief whistles and grating tearing sounds described as "U-tzeu-U-tzee", sometimes performed as a duet by two birds.

Habitat

This species is restricted to papyrus swamps, specifically in river systems and around lake shores. Its range includes Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda.

Diet

The diet mainly consists of insects such as beetles, flies, and ants, supplemented by snails, fruit, and seeds when available. Foraging behaviour involves lurking among the vegetation, occasionally flying short distances over water between patches of papyrus.

Did you know?

The nest is probably built in a small bush within reedbeds, though little is known of the species' breeding biology.