Black boubou

The black boubou, also known as Somali boubou, Erlanger's boubou or coastal boubou, is a medium-size bushshrike. It was split from the tropical boubou as a result of DNA sequence analysis, and this change in status was recognized by the International Ornithological Committee in 2008. Two colour morphs are recognized, a predominantly black one, the black boubou, and an extremely rare black and yellow morph which was formerly considered a separate species, the Bulo Burti boubou. The black boubou is found in Somalia and northern Kenya.

Loading map...

Distribution

Region

Horn of Africa

Typical Environment

The black boubou occurs mainly in Somalia and extends into northern Kenya, favoring low, semi-arid landscapes. It inhabits dense acacia thornbush, coastal and inland scrub, and riverine thickets where cover is abundant. It also utilizes overgrown field edges and bushy gardens near settlements. The species is generally sedentary, with pairs defending territories year-round within these habitats.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 1600 m

Climate Zone

Arid

Characteristics

Size20–22 cm

Wing Span25–30 cm

Male Weight0.06 kg

Female Weight0.055 kg

Life Expectancy6 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

This species, also called the Somali or Erlanger’s boubou, was split from the tropical boubou after DNA studies and recognized by the IOC in 2008. It is famous for duetting: pairs sing tightly synchronized antiphonal songs from dense cover. A very rare black-and-yellow morph, once described as the Bulo Burti boubou (Laniarius liberatus), is now considered a color morph of this species. It keeps to thorny scrub and riverine thickets, making it more often heard than seen.

Gallery

Behaviour

Temperament

solitary and territorial

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats between cover

Social Behavior

Typically found in pairs that maintain and defend territories throughout the year. Pairs perform coordinated duets and nest low in dense shrubs, building a cup nest concealed in thorny vegetation. Both adults participate in incubation and feeding of the young.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

A rich, antiphonal duet of whistles and ringing notes, with male and female alternating so closely it can sound like a single bird. Calls include harsh chacks and scolds when alarmed, and mellow whistles during territory advertisement.

Unlock detailed bird insights with Pro access today.

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

Black bulbul

The black bulbul, also known as the Himalayan black bulbul or Asian black bulbul, is a member of the bulbul family of passerine birds. It is found primarily in the Himalayas, its range stretching from Pakistan eastward to Southeast Asia. It is the type species of the genus Hypsipetes, established by Nicholas Aylward Vigors in the early 1830s. There are a number of subspecies, mostly varying in the shade of the body plumage which ranges from grey to black, and some also occur in white-headed morphs, as also suggested by its specific epithet leucocephalus, literally "white head". The legs and bill are always rich orange-red.

Black caracara

The black caracara is a bird of prey in the family Falconidae that is found in Amazonian and French Guianan lowlands, mainly occurring along rivers. It was formerly the only species placed in the genus Daptrius but based on genetic studies the genus now includes species that were formerly placed in the genera Milvago and Phalcoboenus.

Black catbird

The black catbird is a songbird species in the monotypic genus Melanoptila, part of the family Mimidae. At 19–20.5 cm (7.5–8.1 in) in length and 31.6–42 g (1.11–1.48 oz) in mass, it is the smallest of the mimids. Sexes appear similar, with glossy black plumage, black legs and bill, and dark brownish eyes. The species is endemic to the Yucatán Peninsula, and is found as far south as Campeche, northern Guatemala and northern Belize. Although there are historical records from Honduras and the US state of Texas, the species is not now known to occur in either location. It is found at low elevations in semi-arid to humid habitats ranging from shrubland and abandoned farmland to woodland with thick understory, and is primarily sedentary.

Black cicadabird

The black cicadabird, also known as the New Guinea cuckooshrike or New Guinea cicadabird, is a species of bird in the family Campephagidae. It is found in the Aru Islands and New Guinea. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest and subtropical or tropical mangrove forest.