Bokmakierie
NameBokmakierie
Common NameBokmakierie
Scientific NameTelophorus zeylonus
FamilyMalaconotidae
Wingspan (cm)27.5
Length (cm)23.5
Weight (g)60
Plumage DetailsFeatures bright yellow underparts, olive-green back and wings, and a distinctive grey head. A broad black band extends from the eye to the nape and forms a prominent black gorget across the chest. The tail is black with yellow tips.
Vocalization / CallFamous for its loud, melodious, and often duet calls, typically a series of whistled notes that sound like 'bok-mak-kierie' or 'bok-bok-mak-kierie'.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland, forest, urban
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeEndemic to Southern Africa, found in South Africa, Lesotho, Eswatini, Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe.
Identifying FeaturesBright yellow underparts, Grey head with black eye-stripe, Broad black gorget across chest, Olive-green back, Loud 'bok-mak-kierie' call
Description
The Bokmakierie is a striking medium-sized bushshrike known for its vibrant yellow underparts, grey head, and prominent black gorget. It is an active and vocal bird, often found foraging in dense scrub and thickets across Southern Africa.
