Black-fronted Bushshrike

The Black-fronted Bushshrike, Chlorophoneus nigrifrons, is a small, vibrant bird belonging to the bushshrike family, Malaconotidae. Measuring 18-19 centimeters in length, it exhibits a variety of color morphs. Common to all are the green upperparts, a grey crown and upper back, and a yellow-tipped tail. The bill and legs are dark, adding contrast to its colorful plumage.

Identification Tips

Birdwatchers can identify the Black-fronted Bushshrike by its distinctive color morphs. The orange morph features a striking black mask and forehead with orange underparts that fade to yellow beneath the tail. The red morph is similar but has a redder throat and breast, with yellow on the belly and undertail-coverts. The buff form is characterized by buff underparts and a pale throat, while the black morph boasts an entirely black face, forehead, throat, and breast, with a green belly and undertail-coverts. Females tend to be duller with less black on the forehead, and juveniles display buffish underparts with dark barring and yellow wing-feather edges.

Habitat

This species is found in montane forests, where it forages in the canopy and middle levels of the forest.

Distribution

The Black-fronted Bushshrike has a patchy distribution across East Africa. It is found from central Kenya through Tanzania to northern Malawi, with subspecies C. n. manningi in southeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo to northern Zambia, and C. n. sandgroundi in southern Malawi, Mozambique, eastern Zimbabwe, and northeastern South Africa.

Behaviour

Outside the breeding season, the Black-fronted Bushshrike often joins mixed-species feeding flocks, showcasing its social nature.

Song & Calls

The bird's vocal repertoire includes bell-like phrases, often performed in duets by pairs.

Ectoparasite

An ectoparasite known as the quill mite, Neoaulonastus malaconotus, from the subfamily Syringophilinae, has been recorded on the Black-fronted Bushshrike.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List has classified the Black-fronted Bushshrike as Least Concern, indicating a stable population without immediate threats to its survival.