Tropical Boubou
Laniarius aethiopicus
Woodland. Black above with white wing-bar; below washed cinnamon.
LC
Not Endemic
Description
Fairly common resident. Differs from other boubous in entire underparts being lightly washed pinkish, with less cinnamon on flanks and vent. Calls a remarkable series of duets, the two calls uttered in such perfect time they sound like one: normally three liquid, bell-like notes answered by ‘hueee’. Variations occur and some calls indistinguishable from those of [Southern Boubou]. Pairs frequent dense vegetation in broad-leaved woodland, dense lowveld bushveld and riverine thickets. Replaces (Southern Boubou) in northern areas, but co-occurs with [Swamp Boubou] in Botswana.
Quick Facts
Size
21 cm - M
Names
A: Tropiese Waterfiskaal
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 frequent dense vegetation in 'broad-leaved woodland', dense lowveld bushveld and riverine thickets. Replaces (Southern Boubou) in northern areas, but co-occurs with [Swamp Boubou] in Botswana.
