The yellow-breasted boubou is a species of bird in the family Malaconotidae.
Region
Cameroonian Highlands and eastern Nigeria
Typical Environment
Inhabits montane and submontane forests, forest edges, and dense secondary growth, especially along streams and gullies. Prefers tangled undergrowth, bamboo patches, and shrubby clearings where it can move inconspicuously. Often uses ecotones between closed forest and farmland or plantations with thick hedgerows. It is typically encountered in pairs within well-vegetated slopes and ridges.
Altitude Range
900–3000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The yellow-breasted boubou is a bushshrike of dense montane thickets, known for its striking black-and-yellow contrast and bold white wing patch. Pairs keep close territories and perform precise antiphonal duets where male and female alternate notes to sound like a single bird. It often stays low and hidden, slipping through tangles and viney edges. Despite its secretive nature, its duet carries far and is often the best clue to its presence.
Temperament
secretive and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats through dense cover
Social Behavior
Usually found in monogamous pairs that defend small territories year-round. Nests are cup-shaped and placed low to mid-level in dense shrubs or vines. Both sexes participate in duetting and likely share breeding duties, with the pair keeping close contact.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Famous for antiphonal duets of clear, whistled notes where the female answers the male within a split second. Calls also include metallic ticks and sharp chacks given from cover, often repeated in series.
Plumage
Bold black upperparts and head with bright yellow underparts; crisp white wing patch and subtle white edging on the wings; underparts clean and saturated yellow.
Diet
Feeds mainly on insects such as beetles, caterpillars, grasshoppers, and spiders taken from foliage and the ground. Will also snatch small invertebrates from low branches and occasionally takes small vertebrates. Supplementary feeding on berries and other soft fruits occurs when available.
Preferred Environment
Forages in dense undergrowth, vine tangles, and along forest edges and streams. Often works methodically through thickets, gleaning from leaves and probing bark crevices, with occasional sallies to the ground or low perches.
