The swamp boubou, also known as the Gabon boubou, is a species of bird in the Malaconotidae or bushshrike family. It is native to western and southern Central Africa. In the north of their range, savannah thickets constitute an important part of their habitat, while in the south they are strongly associated with river systems and marshes, for which they are named. The pair bond appears to be maintained by duetting, which in the south is generally synchronous or overlapping. It is most similar to L. major major, with which it perhaps hybridizes, but the underpart plumage is immaculate white, while the female contributes a ratchet-like note to the duet.
Region
Western and southern Central Africa
Typical Environment
Occupies dense thickets and tangles along rivers, streams, and marsh edges, as well as swamp forest margins and gallery forest. In the northern part of its range it also uses dry savannah thickets and secondary scrub. Farther south it is strongly tied to riparian corridors, flooded grasslands, and reedbeds. It keeps close to cover and often forages within the understory and along ecotones between water and woodland.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The swamp boubou, also called the Gabon boubou, is a duet-singing bushshrike whose pairs keep close contact with tightly coordinated antiphonal calls. It is most similar to Laniarius major and may hybridize where ranges meet, but it shows immaculate white underparts. Typically shy and skulking, it is often detected by its rich, ringing duets rather than seen.
Perched in riparian vegetation, coastal Angola
Laniarius bicolor sticturus illustrated by Otto Finsch, showing the three white-edged secondaries, and the white-tipped rectrices of this race
Temperament
secretive and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low over and through dense cover
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs that maintain year-round territories with close contact. Pairs perform tight duets that reinforce bonds and territory. The nest is a neat cup placed low in dense vegetation near water, and both sexes participate in nesting and care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A rich, antiphonal duet: the male gives clear, whistled phrases while the female interjects harsher, ratchet-like notes. Duets can be overlapping or synchronous, carrying well through thickets.
