The yellow-crowned gonolek, also known as the common gonolek, is a medium-sized passerine bird in the bushshrike family. It is a common resident breeding bird in equatorial Africa from Senegal and Democratic Republic of Congo east to Ethiopia. It is a skulking bird and frequents dense undergrowth in forests and other wooded habitats. The nest is a cup structure in a bush or tree in which two eggs are laid.
Region
West and Central Africa to the Horn of Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs widely across equatorial Africa, from Senegal and the Democratic Republic of the Congo east to Ethiopia. It favors dense undergrowth in forest edges, riverine thickets, wooded savanna, and overgrown gardens and plantations. The species stays close to cover, using tangles, bushes, and hedgerows for both foraging and nesting. It is a year-round resident throughout most of its range.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
This bushshrike is famous for its antiphonal duets—pairs call in rapid alternation so precisely that it can sound like a single bird. Despite its striking colors, it is very secretive and usually keeps to dense cover. It often forages low and may briefly sally out to snatch prey before diving back into thickets.
Temperament
skulking and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low and direct between cover
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs that defend small territories year-round. Nests are cup-shaped and placed in dense bushes or low trees, typically with two eggs laid. Both members of the pair remain close together and coordinate movements while foraging within thick vegetation.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Pairs perform tight, antiphonal duets of clear, ringing whistles and metallic notes, often starting at dawn. Calls can be sharp and penetrating but are frequently delivered from within cover, making the bird easier to hear than to see.
Plumage
Glossy black upperparts with vivid scarlet underparts and a distinct yellow crown and nape; plumage appears sleek and sharply contrasting.
Diet
Primarily eats insects and other small invertebrates, including beetles, caterpillars, and spiders. It may take small frogs or lizards opportunistically. Occasional small fruits or berries are also consumed, especially when insect prey is less abundant.
Preferred Environment
Forages low in dense shrubbery, tangled vines, and along forest edges and riparian thickets. It gleans prey from leaves and branches and makes short sallies to the ground or between perches.
