Magpie Shrike
Urolestes melanoleucus
Visual Identification
Appearance
The Magpie Shrike is a striking bird with a distinctive black and white plumage. Its long, graduated tail is particularly notable, often exceeding half the bird's total length. The body is primarily glossy black, with white patches on the shoulders, wings, and a greyish-white rump.
Males and females are similar, though females can be distinguished by large white patches on their flanks. Young birds are browner in colour with buff-tipped feathers, creating a more mottled appearance, and have shorter tails than adults.
Size
Length
34.5cm to 50cm
Wingspan
40cm to 45cm
Weight
55g to 97g
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Black White
Beak Colour
Black
Leg Colour
Black
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
The Magpie Shrike is found in southern and eastern Africa, ranging from Angola and Tanzania south to South Africa. It inhabits open savanna woodlands, thorn scrub, and lightly wooded grasslands.
These birds are year-round residents throughout their range, showing no significant seasonal movements. They are particularly common in areas with scattered acacia trees and bushes that provide suitable perching and nesting sites.
Elevation Range
Up to 1,800 meters
Climate zones
Tropical, Subtropical
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Magpie Shrike. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
Excellent manoeuvrability and precision demonstrated by their ability to catch agile prey like insects and small vertebrates. Their long tail aids in balance and aerial control, whilst their hunting style requires quick, accurate movements.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
Moderate strength for their size, capable of subduing and impaling relatively large prey items on thorns. Their ability to handle prey like small rodents and lizards indicates decent physical power for a medium-sized bird.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Shows strong adaptability through their cooperative breeding system, successful colonisation of various habitats up to 1,800m elevation, and ability to thrive in both natural and modified environments with fence posts and barbed wire.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Notably aggressive hunters with typical shrike behaviour of impaling prey. Their territorial nature and predatory lifestyle, combined with their bold hunting tactics, reflects significant aggressive tendencies.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Whilst capable of sustained hunting activities and maintaining territories, their resident lifestyle and preference for perch-hunting suggests moderate rather than exceptional endurance. They rely more on strategic hunting than prolonged pursuit.
Diet
Magpie Shrikes are carnivorous, primarily feeding on large insects such as grasshoppers and beetles. They also prey on small vertebrates, including lizards, rodents, and occasionally small birds.
These shrikes often impale their prey on thorns or barbed wire, creating 'larders' for later consumption.
Behaviour
Magpie Shrikes are often seen perched prominently on treetops or fence posts, scanning for prey. They are highly social birds, typically found in small family groups of 3-10 individuals.
These groups engage in cooperative breeding, with offspring from previous years helping to raise new chicks.
Vocalisation
Magpie Shrikes have a variety of loud, harsh calls. Their repertoire includes a sharp, repeated 'chak-chak' alarm call and a more melodious 'kwe-kwe-kwe' contact call.
During territorial displays, they produce a series of grating screeches and whistles, often accompanied by tail-fanning.
Nesting & Breeding
Breeding occurs during the wet season, typically from September to March. Magpie Shrikes form monogamous pairs, often assisted by helpers from previous broods.
The nest is a large, sturdy cup made of twigs, grass, and rootlets lined with softer materials. It's usually placed high in a thorny tree or bush. The female lays 3-5 pale blue or greenish eggs with brown spots.
Incubation lasts about 18 days, primarily by the female. Nestlings are fed by both parents and helpers, fledging after approximately 19-20 days but remaining dependent on adults for several more weeks.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While the Magpie Shrike is currently listed as Least Concern, habitat loss due to agricultural expansion and overgrazing poses a potential threat.
Conservation efforts focus on maintaining suitable savanna and woodland habitats within its range.
Population Data
Global Population Estimate
Unknown
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for their distinctive long tails and black-and-white plumage
- Listen for their loud, harsh calls, which often reveal their presence
- Observe fence lines and isolated trees in savanna habitats
- Watch for their habit of perching conspicuously on high vantage points
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
African Long-tailed Shrike
Family:
LaniidaePredators
Main predators include larger birds of prey such as eagles and hawks, as well as snakes that may raid nests for eggs and chicks.
Did You Know?
- Magpie Shrikes have exceptionally long tails, which can make up more than half their total length.
- They practice cooperative breeding, with family members helping to raise young.
- These birds create 'larders' by impaling prey on thorns for later consumption.
References
- 1
website: BirdLife International. 2024. Lanius melanoleucus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2024: e.T22705107A263835282.
View source - 2
report, 2000: Harris and Franklin
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