Zanzibar Boubou
NameZanzibar Boubou
Common NameZanzibar Boubou
Scientific NameLaniarius suahili
FamilyMalaconotidae
Wingspan (cm)28
Length (cm)24
Weight (g)60
Plumage DetailsGlossy black on the head, back, wings, and tail. The throat and breast are pure white, extending to the belly which may show a faint creamy or yellowish wash. The eyes are dark, and the bill is black.
Vocalization / CallKnown for its distinctive duetting calls, where pairs produce synchronized, rich, fluty whistles. Calls often include 'bou-bou' or 'hoo-hoo' notes, sometimes interspersed with harsher churring sounds.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest, coastal, urban
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeEndemic to the islands of Zanzibar and Pemba, off the coast of Tanzania.
Identifying FeaturesGlossy black upperparts and white underparts, Dark eyes and black bill, Lack of a white supercilium, Distinctive duetting vocalizations, Restricted geographic range to Zanzibar and Pemba
Description
A medium-sized bushshrike characterized by its striking black and white plumage. It typically inhabits dense coastal thickets and forests, often foraging in pairs and communicating through complex duetting calls.
