The lowland sooty boubou, also known as the sooty boubou, is a species of bird in the family Malaconotidae. It is native to the African tropical rainforest. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest and subtropical or tropical moist shrubland.
Region
Central African lowland rainforests (Lower Guinea)
Typical Environment
Occurs in the humid lowland forests from southeastern Nigeria and southwestern Cameroon through Equatorial Guinea (Rio Muni), Gabon, and into the Republic of the Congo and adjacent western DR Congo. It inhabits primary and mature secondary rainforest, swamp and gallery forests, and dense thickets along forest edges. Most activity is in the shaded understory and midstory, where it moves through vine tangles and sapling thickets. It can persist in selectively logged areas provided substantial undergrowth remains. Proximity to streams and moist ravines is common.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The lowland sooty boubou is a secretive bushshrike of Central African rainforests, often detected by its rich antiphonal duets before it is seen. It spends most of its time in dense undergrowth, moving low and methodically while foraging. Like other boubous, pairs maintain territories year-round and communicate with coordinated call-and-response songs. It tolerates secondary growth and edges if dense cover is present.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats through dense cover
Social Behavior
Typically found in pairs that defend territories throughout the year. Pairs perform antiphonal duets, with male and female alternating phrases in tight coordination. Nests are shallow cups placed low in dense shrubs or vine tangles; both adults attend the nest and feed the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A rich series of mellow whistles and fluty notes delivered in duet, often with precise call-and-response between mates. Calls include sharp chaks and scolds given from concealed perches within thickets.
