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Black-crowned tchagra

Black-crowned tchagra

Wikipedia

The black-crowned tchagra is a bushshrike. This family of passerine birds is closely related to the true shrikes in the family Laniidae, and was once included in that group.

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Distribution

Region

Sub-Saharan Africa

Typical Environment

This species is widespread across savannas, thorn scrub, and woodland edges, including acacia and mopane habitats. It also occurs in hedgerows, fallow fields, and bushy riverine corridors, and can adapt to lightly cultivated areas with scattered shrubs. Birds typically keep close to cover, moving between low perches and dense thickets. It avoids deep forest and very open treeless grasslands, favoring mosaics of scrub and open ground.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 2000 m

Climate Zone

Tropical

Characteristics

Size19–23 cm
Wing Span25–30 cm
Male Weight0.04 kg
Female Weight0.037 kg
Life Expectancy7 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 2/5

Useful to know

The black-crowned tchagra is a bushshrike that often remains hidden in scrub but delivers striking, far-carrying whistles. Pairs frequently duet, with one bird answering the other’s phrases in quick succession. It hunts from low perches, pouncing on prey on the ground in a shrike-like manner.

Gallery

Bird photo
Bird photo
T. s. kalahariNkasa Rupara National Park, Namibia

T. s. kalahariNkasa Rupara National Park, Namibia

Adults have a solid black crown, bordered by buff superciliary stripes, but juveniles have a brownish crown.[7]

Adults have a solid black crown, bordered by buff superciliary stripes, but juveniles have a brownish crown.[7]

Behaviour

Temperament

secretive yet strongly territorial

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats between low perches

Social Behavior

Usually seen singly or in pairs, maintaining territories year-round. Pairs often duet, reinforcing pair bonds and territory. The nest is a small cup placed low in dense shrubbery; both adults tend the young.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

A loud, clear series of whistled phrases, often delivered from a semi-concealed perch. Pairs may exchange antiphonal notes, with one bird answering promptly. Calls include sharp chacks and scolds when alarmed.

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