Want to know where and when to find Crimson breasted Shrike? opspoor shows recent sightings across South Africa's parks and when each species is usually active.
Where to see Crimson breasted Shrike in South Africa
About the Crimson breasted Shrike
A striking southern African bushshrike with jet-black upperparts, a bold white wing flash and vivid scarlet underparts. It is extremely nimble and restless, with its penetrating whistled duets often the first sign of its presence in dry thornbush thickets and riparian scrub. Also known as the crimson-breasted gonolek or crimson-breasted boubou, it is non-migratory but makes small seasonal movements to lower altitudes in cold periods.
How to identify the Crimson breasted Shrike
Unmistakable jet-black upperparts, white wing bar and bright scarlet underparts; a rare yellow-breasted colour form occurs and was once mistaken for a separate species; sexes look alike
Did you know?
In old South West Africa (now Namibia), its black-and-red colours reminded German settlers of their homeland flag, earning it the nickname "Reichsvogel" (Empire bird).
Also known as: Crimson breasted Gonolek, Crimson breasted Boubou
Planning a safari? Pick a park above to see when and where to look for Crimson breasted Shrike, and log your own sightings in opspoor, even with no signal.