Urolestes melanoleucus
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.
Length
34.5cm to 50cm
Wingspan
40cm to 45cm
Weight
55g to 97g
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Black White
Beak Colour
Black
Leg Colour
Black
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
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.
Up to 1,800 meters
Tropical, Subtropical
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:
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