The bokmakierie 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. This species is endemic to southern Africa, mainly in South Africa and Namibia, with an isolated population in the mountains of eastern Zimbabwe and western Mozambique.
Region
Southern Africa
Typical Environment
Endemic to southern Africa, it is widespread in South Africa and Namibia with isolated populations reaching eastern Zimbabwe and western Mozambique. It favors open, shrubby habitats including fynbos, Karoo scrub, coastal and riverine thickets, and lightly wooded hillsides. It also occurs in farmland edges, parks, and suburban gardens where dense shrub cover remains. It avoids dense forests and very open grasslands lacking cover. Local presence is tied to availability of low, tangled vegetation for foraging and nesting.
Altitude Range
0–2000 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The bokmakierie is named for its ringing, two-part duet that sounds like “bok–mak–kierie,” often performed antiphonally by a pair. It is a striking bushshrike of open scrub, fynbos, and Karoo habitats and is an accomplished predator of large insects and small reptiles. Though often heard first, it can be surprisingly conspicuous when perched atop shrubs to sing.
In the southern KwaZulu-Natal Drakensberg
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually encountered as pairs holding year-round territories. Pairs perform tight duets and coordinate foraging within dense shrub cover. Nesting is in a well-concealed cup within a bush, typically 2–3 eggs, with both sexes participating in provisioning. Young remain near parents for a time after fledging.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A loud, ringing, antiphonal duet, commonly transcribed as “bok–mak–kierie,” with sharp, bell-like notes exchanged rapidly between mates. Calls also include harsh scolds and chattering alarm notes when disturbed.
