The Ethiopian boubou is a species of bird in the family Malaconotidae. It is found in Eritrea, Ethiopia, northwest Somalia, and northern Kenya. Its natural habitat is moist savanna.
Region
Horn of Africa
Typical Environment
Found from Eritrea and Ethiopia through northwest Somalia to northern Kenya, chiefly in moist savanna, riparian thickets, and dense scrub. It favors bushy edges of woodland, acacia-dominated savanna, and forest margins, especially near water. The species also adapts to rural gardens and farmlands where hedges and tangled undergrowth are present. It keeps close to cover and is most often detected by its duet rather than seen in the open.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Ethiopian boubous are bushshrikes known for their rich, antiphonal duets where mated pairs sing precisely timed phrases back and forth. They are typically shy and skulk in dense thickets, flashing a bold white wing patch during displays. This species was historically lumped within the tropical boubou complex but is now treated separately based on voice and range. Pairs maintain year‑round territories and often remain together for multiple seasons.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low and direct between cover
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs that hold and defend permanent territories. Pairs perform synchronized duets and courtship displays that include wing-flashing. Nests are placed low in dense shrubs or thickets; both sexes share incubation and chick-rearing duties.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A rich, fluty duet of whistles and bell-like notes, given antiphonally by the pair with precise timing. Calls include sharp chaks and harsher scolds when alarmed.
