Crimson-breasted Shrike
Laniarius atrococcineus
Thornveld. Crimson below; black above with white wing-stripe.
Boubous
LC
Near Endemic
Description
Common, near-endemic resident. Distinctive because of entirely scarlet underparts; occurs rarely with bright yellow underparts. Otherwise identical to other boubous. Very young birds are ash-grey below, finely barred black. Calls in duet, both birds often calling almost simultaneously, a sharply delivered ‘qui-quip-chiri’. Pairs occur mostly in thornveld, frequenting the lower stratum. Most common in arid western regions.
Quick Facts
Size
22-23 cm - M
Names
A: Rooiborslaksman
G: Rotbauchwürger, Reichsvogel, Kaiservogel
Bird Family
Boubous are a group of striking, often brightly coloured bushshrikes, with heavy shrike-like bills. Usually rather secretive, mostly preferring dense vegetation. Their distinctive calls, often sung in duet, are likely to be the first indication of their presence. Largely insectivorous, although some species will eat fruit and small reptiles.
Distribution
Gallery
Behaviour
Breeding
Habitat
Pairs occur mostly in thornveld, frequenting the lower stratum.
