Fülleborn's boubou is a species of bird in the family Malaconotidae. It is found in Malawi, Tanzania, and Zambia, where its typical habitat is humid montane forest, dense undergrowth, secondary growth, forest edges and bamboo groves. The name of this bird commemorates the German physician Friedrich Fülleborn.
Region
East Africa (Southern Rift Mountains)
Typical Environment
Occurs patchily in humid montane and submontane forests of southern Tanzania, northern Malawi, and northeastern Zambia. It favors dense undergrowth, forest edges, riverine thickets, bamboo stands, and secondary growth. Birds commonly work through vine tangles and bracken near the forest floor but will also use midstory thickets. It can persist in partially disturbed habitats provided thick cover remains. Local distribution is often tied to cool, moist slopes and stream gullies.
Altitude Range
1000–2700 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Fülleborn's boubou is a bushshrike of humid montane forests in the Southern Rift highlands of East Africa. It often forages low in dense undergrowth and is most frequently detected by its rich, antiphonal duets between paired birds. The species honors German physician and naturalist Friedrich Fülleborn. It tolerates some secondary growth and forest edge, which helps it persist in patchy habitats.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats through cover; strong but low flights
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs that maintain year-round territories. Pairs perform duets and often skulk in dense vegetation, remaining concealed. Nest is a neat cup placed low to mid-height in thick shrubs; both parents participate in incubation and feeding.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Rich, melodious duets with antiphonal whistles and fluty phrases exchanged between mates. Also gives sharp scolds and chattering alarm notes from cover.
Plumage
Contrasting bushshrike with glossy black upperparts and largely pale whitish to light grey underparts. Shows a distinct white wing patch and white edging on the outer tail feathers. Plumage is sleek with a slightly rounded tail and compact body.
Diet
Primarily takes insects and other arthropods such as beetles, caterpillars, grasshoppers, and spiders. It may opportunistically consume small amphibians or lizards and occasionally small fruits or berries. Prey is gleaned from leaves, branches, and the ground, and sometimes pounced upon from low perches.
Preferred Environment
Feeds within dense undergrowth, vine tangles, and along forest edges and streamside thickets. Often forages in shadowed, humid microhabitats with abundant leaf litter and low shrubs.
