Grey-headed Bushshrike

The Grey-headed Bushshrike, known colloquially as the ghostbird, is a passerine bird of notable presence. With a length ranging from 22.6 to 25.2 cm from bill to tail, it boasts a formidable black bill and a rich yellow iris, creating a distinctive visage. Both sexes are similar in appearance, with immatures being paler and juveniles displaying pale yellow chest plumage and brown barring or mottling over the crown. Juveniles also have brown eyes and brownish horn bills, distinguishing them from adults.

Identification Tips

This species can be identified by its robust black bill and striking yellow eyes. Adult plumage does not differ between sexes. Juveniles can be recognized by their paler overall coloration, yellow chest, and the brown markings on their crown.

Habitat

The Grey-headed Bushshrike is found in a variety of wooded habitats, favoring denser vegetation within both dry and moist savannahs. It is also known to inhabit riparian vegetation, tall Acacia woodlands, lowland evergreen thickets, and the interiors of riparian ground-water forests.

Distribution

Widespread throughout sub-Saharan Africa, the Grey-headed Bushshrike is notably absent from Central Africa and the interior of southern Africa. It is the most widespread species of its genus and can be found from sea level up to 3,000 meters in the tropics, although it avoids areas with annual rainfall below 500 mm.

Behaviour

Monogamous pairs of Grey-headed Bushshrikes are sedentary, occupying woodland with sufficient cover. They may undertake limited post-breeding movements. The species is known to prey on a variety of animals, including insects, mice, small birds, snakes, lizards, and chameleons.

Song & Calls

The male's call is a mechanical-sounding series of hooting notes, often heard during the pre-breeding period. These calls can last for an hour or more and are delivered from a high perch. The female may contribute drawn-out rasping notes to a duet with the male's hooting. Various softer sounds, abrupt clicks, ticks, or clinks can also be heard at close quarters.

Breeding

Breeding occurs in spring and summer. The nest, resembling that of a small raptor, is built in 10 days and hidden in thicker foliage. Clutches typically contain 2 to 4 cream-colored eggs, marked with grey and brown spots. Incubation is solely the female's responsibility, lasting 17 days, with chicks leaving the nest in three weeks.

Similar Species

The Grey-headed Bushshrike occurs in sympatry with the smaller and more gracile Orange-breasted Bushshrike, which has similar plumage but can be distinguished by size and features.

Diet and Feeding

Their diet is predominantly insectivorous, but they are also known to consume small vertebrates such as mice, birds, and reptiles.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List classifies the Grey-headed Bushshrike as Least Concern, indicating a stable population without significant threats to its survival.