The Albertine sooty boubou is a species of bird in the family Malaconotidae. It is native to the Albertine Rift montane forests.
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
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
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.
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.
Plumage
Uniform sooty-black to blackish plumage with a slight bluish sheen; feathers appear smooth and unpatterned.
Diet
Primarily hunts insects such as beetles, caterpillars, orthopterans, and spiders gleaned from leaves and twigs. Will take small invertebrates from the ground and occasionally snatches small frogs or lizards. Opportunistically consumes berries and other soft fruits when available, especially in the non-breeding season.
Preferred Environment
Forages in dense understory, vine tangles, and bamboo within montane forest and along shady edges. Often works through low thickets and mid-story tangles, making short hops and reaches to pick prey.
