Birda Logo
Features
Birda+
About
Species Guide
Challenges
Shop
loading...
A photo of a White-tailed Shrike (Lanioturdus torquatus)
White-tailed Shrike

White-tailed Shrike

Lanioturdus torquatus

The White-tailed Shrike, or Lanioturdus torquatus, is a diminutive member of the Platysteiridae family. It is also colloquially known as the chatshrike or ground batis. This bird is distinguished by its very short tail, which is adorned with a small black mark at the tip of the central two feathers and is characteristically carried downwards.

Identification Tips

When observing the White-tailed Shrike, look for its upright posture and the unique tail presentation. The bird's plumage is similar in both sexes, making it a challenge to differentiate between male and female based solely on appearance.

Habitat

This species thrives in the scrub-savanna, thornbush, and mopane-veld, where it can be seen foraging from the ground to heights of up to 25 meters.

Distribution

The White-tailed Shrike is endemic to western Angola and Namibia, where it is a common and breeding resident.

Behaviour

The White-tailed Shrike exhibits large bounds in its movements and maintains an upright posture. It is often found alone or in pairs during the breeding season and may gather in small groups at other times. Its flight is described as clumsy, with shallow and rapid wingbeats akin to those of other batises.

Song & Calls

This bird's vocal repertoire includes a range of loud, ringing territorial whistles that can be heard across its habitat.

Breeding

Both sexes contribute to the construction of the nest, which is a deep, neat, well-moulded cup made with spider-web and situated approximately 3 meters above the ground in thorny acacias. The typical clutch consists of 2-3 pale-green to white eggs, sparsely dotted with reddish-brown spots. Only the female is responsible for incubating the eggs.

Similar Species

The White-tailed Shrike may be confused with other batises and bushshrikes due to its behavior and habitat preferences, but its unique tail characteristics and calls can help distinguish it.

Diet and Feeding

This bird is an insectivore, scanning and foraging for insects from ground level to the treetops.

Conservation Status

The IUCN Red List has classified the White-tailed Shrike as Least Concern, indicating that the species currently faces no significant threats to its survival.

White-tailed Shrike Sounds



Recorded by: © 
App logo
Birda is a birdwatching app and community aimed at curious people who want to deepen their connection with nature.

White-tailed Shrikes on Birda

Photos
Sightings

More Wattle-eyes, Batises

A photo of a Cape Batis (Batis capensis) , male

Cape Batis

Batis capensis
Birda Logo

Your birdwatching journey like never before

Connect with nature in minutes
Take a walk, look out of the window and log the birds that you see. Feel good about those little connections to nature.
Discover the joy of birding
Find new birding spots, see more birds, share and celebrate with a like-minded community of nature lovers.
Play your part in saving nature
Logging your birding sightings and sessions turns into positive action for our planet. Every sighting counts.

Birda Blog

What Our Birders Say
Paul F
Very good database
Highly recommend. It great that this app shows you male Vs female variations when posting. Very good database I'm really impressed.
Ellesse_W
Learning Birding with Birda
I’m relatively new to birding as a hobby, and Birda is a great way to keep track off all the species I see. I’m still working on my ID skills, but the app is great for figuring out potential species, and the online community is so friendly and helpful. Definitely recommend Birda to both early and serious birders! 🐦
Mike T
Sense of Community
A great app, which is continually being improved. What really comes through is the passion of those behind the app. The sense of community is brilliant, so much help and support provided to new and/or in experienced birders.
Anonymous
The best bird logging app
Birda is honestly the best bird logging app I have seen. I love all the features it has from being able to do a session and log all the birds you see in one sitting, to being able to connect with other birders from all over the globe!
JCBirding
Just what birding needs
We need more fun in birding, for years it has had a reputation for being up tight and stuffy and only perused by retirees and anoraks. Birda helps change that perception and firmly brings birding into the 21st century! Fun, interactive while still contributing to science and conservation. If you aren’t on it, why not??
Safira V
Birding and wellbeing app
Birda is an excellent platform to share your love of Birding and is a great tool of encouragement for a Birding Beginner like me. Birda has a very kind and supportive community of Birding enthusiasts. For me BIRDA is not only a BIRDING but also a WELLBEING App.
Jake W
Great app
I use this app all the time as it’s quick and easy to log individual sightings or whole birding sessions. It’s an excellent way to meet new people and the forum is full of really friendly people. The challenges are a great way to get involved and learn more about birds. Cannot recommend it enough!
BCHphotography_
Such a great app!
I didn’t think I could enjoy birding more but this app makes it so much better. Some great features and a really great way to share your sightings with your friends or fellow birders nearby or around the world! ❤️
SuperOliviaGirl
Really great app
It’s easy to use and it’s fun to log the birds you notice on a walk or just in your garden. There’s a option to record the birds you see in a session which is really nice. Good excuse to stop for a while and just watch birds. I am also enjoying the information part where you can find out fact about birds from all over the world.
Unbridled Discoveries
Great app for bird lovers
I love this app! It’s a wonderful way to track birding sessions, and also connect you with fellow birders. I also really like the unidentified bird section, it’s a great community tool to help figure out what a never-before-seen bird is!
As featured in
Birda Logo
AboutPressAmbassadorsAffiliatesInfluencersCareersPrivacyTerms & Conditions
An app for birdwatchers
Connect with us
Copyright © 2024 Chirp Birding. All rights reserved.