Gorgeous Bushshrike

The Gorgeous Bushshrike, scientifically known as Telophorus viridis, is a vibrant member of the Malaconotidae family. It is also referred to as the Four-coloured Bushshrike, with some reserving the name Gorgeous Bushshrike specifically for the subspecies Telophorus viridis viridis.

Identification Tips

This species is characterized by its striking plumage, although it is often concealed by the dense foliage of its habitat. The bird's vivid coloration is a marvel to behold when glimpsed.

Behavior

Despite being a commonly occurring species, the Gorgeous Bushshrike is a master of discretion, seldom seen as it prefers the seclusion of densely vegetated woodlands. It is primarily insectivorous, skillfully gleaning insects from the understory.

Distribution

The Gorgeous Bushshrike graces various regions across the African continent. The subspecies T. v. viridis can be found in Angola, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, and Zambia. T. v. nigricauda inhabits coastal areas of Kenya and Tanzania, while T. v. quartus is present in Malawi, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe. Lastly, T. v. quadricolor is a resident of South Africa and Eswatini.

Conservation Status

The IUCN Red List categorizes the Gorgeous Bushshrike as Least Concern, indicating a stable population without immediate threats to its survival.