Crimson-breasted Shrike
Laniarius atrococcineus
The Crimson-breasted Shrike (Laniarius atrococcineus) is a uncommon bushshrik found in 6 countries, weighing about 49 g. The crimson-breasted shrike or the crimson-breasted gonolek,, or the crimson-breasted boubou, is a southern African bird.
About the Crimson-breasted Shrike
The crimson-breasted shrike or the crimson-breasted gonolek,, or the crimson-breasted boubou, is a southern African bird. It has black upper parts with a white flash on the wing, and bright scarlet underparts. The International Union for Conservation of Nature has rated it as a "least-concern species".
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
The sexes have the same colouration and are indistinguishable from each other. The upper parts, including the wings and tail, are black, the wings having a broad white bar. The underparts are vivid scarlet. A yellow-breasted form is occasionally seen, and was at first thought to be a separate species. Young birds have a mottled and barred buff-brown appearance with a pale bill.
Where it lives
When to see it
The Crimson-breasted Shrike can be seen all year round, with peak activity in November. It is a resident species across most of its range.
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Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Crimson-breasted Shrike?
- The sexes have the same colouration and are indistinguishable from each other. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Crimson-breasted Shrike?
- The Crimson-breasted Shrike is a small sized bird weighing about 49 g.
- Where can you see a Crimson-breasted Shrike?
- The Crimson-breasted Shrike occurs in 6 countries, including South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Angola.
- What birds look similar to a Crimson-breasted Shrike?
- The Crimson-breasted Shrike is most easily confused with the Tropical Boubou, the Slate-colored Boubou and the Yellow-crowned Gonolek.
- Is the Crimson-breasted Shrike endangered?
- The Crimson-breasted Shrike is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
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