Bushshrikes

Bushshrikes are a group of small to medium-sized passerine birds formerly placed with true shrikes in the Laniidae family but now recognized as a distinct family called Malaconotidae. These birds are native to sub-Saharan Africa, except Madagascar where vangas are their closest relatives. Bushshrikes typically have fluffy back and rump feathers and exhibit varied plumage, with some showing bright colors or deep black tones. Commonly inhabiting forests, scrub, and open woodlands, they forage from a perch like shrikes, eating insects and occasional small prey. They build cup nests in trees and lay up to four eggs. While some bushshrikes exhibit eye-catching displays like puffing their rump feathers during mating rituals, their dietary needs are principally insectivorous. The classification within the Malaconotidae family is not fully resolved, but the family is considered to be monophyletic. These birds are adept vocalizers, with both males and females capable of complex songs used for courtship or territorial defense. Bushshrikes are part of the superfamily Malaconotoidea, which includes other shrike-like birds distributed across Africa to Australia. Their familial relations are under continuous study, with various species being grouped or reclassified based on ongoing genetic and morphological research.