Magpie Shrike
Urolestes melanoleucus
The Magpie Shrike (Urolestes melanoleucus) is a uncommon shrik found in 11 countries, weighing about 82 g. The magpie shrike, also known as the African long-tailed shrike, is a species of bird in the family Laniidae.
About the Magpie Shrike
The magpie shrike, also known as the African long-tailed shrike, is a species of bird in the family Laniidae. It is the only species placed in the genus Urolestes. 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".
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in United States.
When to see it
The Magpie Shrike can be seen all year round, with peak activity in November. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Watch the Magpie Shrike on live cams
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Easily confused with
Quick questions
- What does a Magpie Shrike look like?
- The magpie shrike, also known as the African long-tailed shrike, is a species of bird in the family Laniidae.
- How big is a Magpie Shrike?
- The Magpie Shrike is a medium sized bird weighing about 82 g.
- Where can you see a Magpie Shrike?
- The Magpie Shrike occurs in 11 countries, including South Africa, Tanzania, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
- What birds look similar to a Magpie Shrike?
- The Magpie Shrike is most easily confused with the Bay-backed Shrike, the Lesser Grey Shrike and the Bull-headed Shrike.
- Is the Magpie Shrike endangered?
- The Magpie Shrike is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Magpie Shrike for real
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