Willard's Sooty Boubou
NameWillard's Sooty Boubou
Common NameWillard's Sooty Boubou
Scientific NameLaniarius willardi
FamilyMalaconotidae
Wingspan (cm)28
Length (cm)19
Weight (g)55
Plumage DetailsThe plumage is entirely glossy black, lacking any distinguishing marks or patterns. The eyes are dark, and the bill and legs are also black.
Vocalization / CallIts vocalizations include a series of clear, whistled notes, often given in a duet by a pair. Calls can be described as 'hoo-hoo-hoo' or 'whi-whi-whi-whu'.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeEndemic to a restricted range in western Uganda and eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, primarily in the Albertine Rift region.
Identifying Featuresentirely glossy black plumage, stout black bill, shy and elusive behavior, distinctive whistled calls, often in duet, found in dense forest undergrowth
Description
Willard's Sooty Boubou is a medium-sized, entirely black bushshrike found in the dense undergrowth of montane and lowland forests. It is a shy and elusive bird, often detected more by its distinctive vocalizations than by sight. This species typically forages for insects and other invertebrates within the foliage.
