Albertine sooty boubou

The Albertine sooty boubou is a species of bird in the family Malaconotidae. It is native to the Albertine Rift montane forests.

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Distribution

Region

Albertine Rift of East–Central Africa

Typical Environment

Occurs in the montane and submontane forests fringing the Albertine Rift across eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Burundi, and far western Uganda. It favors dense, humid evergreen forest, forest edge, and secondary growth with thick understory. Birds commonly use vine tangles, bracken, and bamboo thickets and will venture into overgrown clearings near forest margins. It is a skulker that keeps close to cover and forages at low to mid levels. Local abundance varies with understory density and disturbance.

Altitude Range

1200–3000 m

Climate Zone

Highland

Characteristics

Size20–22 cm

Wing Span25–30 cm

Male Weight0.07 kg

Female Weight0.065 kg

Life Expectancy7 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

This shy bushshrike is more often heard than seen, delivering rich antiphonal duets from dense undergrowth. It is part of the ‘sooty boubou’ complex centered on the Albertine Rift, with closely related forms occurring at different elevations and ranges. Pairs maintain year-round territories and skulk through vine tangles and bamboo thickets. Its presence is a good indicator of intact montane forest understory.

Behaviour

Temperament

secretive and territorial

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats through dense cover

Social Behavior

Usually found in pairs or small family groups that defend territories year-round. Nests are cup-shaped and placed low in dense shrubs or tangles. Courtship and pair-bonding are reinforced by close duet singing and mutual following within cover.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Pairs give rich, resonant duets with one bird answering the other almost instantly, producing a seamless phrase. Calls include mellow whistles, churring notes, and harsh scolds when alarmed.

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Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

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