The magpie shrike, also known as the African long-tailed shrike, is a species of bird in the family Laniidae. It is native to the grasslands of eastern and southeastern Africa, where its natural habitats are dry savannah, moist savannah, and subtropical or tropical dry shrubland. It has a very wide range and is common in places, and the International Union for Conservation of Nature has assessed its conservation status as being of "least concern".
Region
Eastern and Southern Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs from southern Kenya and Tanzania south through Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and into the northeastern parts of South Africa. It favors open savanna, acacia thornveld, mopane woodland edges, and scrub with scattered trees. The species avoids dense forest and true desert but uses riparian strips and lightly grazed rangelands. It is common along roadsides and fencelines that provide elevated hunting perches.
Altitude Range
0–1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Magpie shrikes are cooperative breeders that live in family groups, often with several helpers assisting a dominant pair. They perch conspicuously on thorny bushes and fence lines, flicking their exceptionally long tails during displays. Like other shrikes, they sometimes impale prey on thorns to store food. Their bold black-and-white wing flashes are easily seen in flight.
Two magpie shrikes in Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short undulating flights with rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically found in groups of 5–12 birds that maintain territories year-round. They practice cooperative breeding, with helpers assisting in nest building, feeding chicks, and mobbing predators. Nests are open cups placed high in thorny trees or shrubs, and groups roost communally.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A mix of rich whistles, chatter, and harsh scolds, often delivered from exposed perches. Pairs and group members sometimes duet, and they may include snippets of mimicry.
Plumage
Glossy black overall with bold white shoulder patches and wing panels, a white rump, and white edging in the outer tail feathers; very long, graduated tail.
Diet
Primarily takes large insects such as grasshoppers, beetles, and termites, supplemented by spiders and other arthropods. It also eats small vertebrates including lizards, frogs, and occasionally nestlings. Prey is usually taken from the ground or low vegetation after short sallies from a perch, and items may be impaled on thorns for later consumption.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along the edges of savanna and thornveld, around bushy pastures, and near roadsides and watercourses where perches are abundant. Often hunts from exposed thorn trees, fence posts, and utility lines.
