Magpie shrike

The Magpie Shrike, also known as the African long-tailed shrike, is a captivating bird belonging to the Laniidae family. It is the sole species in the genus Urolestes and inhabits the grasslands of eastern and southeastern Africa. This bird thrives in various environments such as dry and moist savannas, as well as subtropical or tropical dry shrublands. Its range includes countries like Angola, Botswana, Kenya, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. The Magpie Shrike favors open savannas with scattered acacia trees, particularly in regions where the majority of rainfall occurs from November to April.

These birds are notably social, frequently observed in noisy flocks. They sometimes associate with other bird species and even nest communally during the rainy season. In defending their breeding territories, they exhibit distinctive behaviors such as bowing, tail flicking, and whistling. Their diet is diverse, comprising arthropods, insects, lizards, small mammals, and fruit. They typically hunt by surveying the ground for prey and catching most of their food on the ground, although they are also adept at capturing flying insects mid-air.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has classified the Magpie Shrike as a species of "least concern" in terms of conservation status, indicating that they are relatively abundant in their natural habitats. Their intriguing behaviors and noticeable presence make them a favorite among birdwatchers and an excellent subject for ecological studies.