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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.

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A photo of a Black-backed Puffback (Dryoscopus cubla) , male

Black-backed Puffback

Dryoscopus cubla
A photo of a Black-crowned Tchagra (Tchagra senegalus)

Black-crowned Tchagra

Tchagra senegalus

Black-fronted Bushshrike

Chlorophoneus nigrifrons
A photo of a Bokmakierie (Telophorus zeylonus)

Bokmakierie

Telophorus zeylonus
A photo of a Brown-crowned Tchagra (Tchagra australis)

Brown-crowned Tchagra

Tchagra australis
A photo of a Brubru (Nilaus afer) , male

Brubru

Nilaus afer
A photo of a Crimson-breasted Shrike (Laniarius atrococcineus)

Crimson-breasted Shrike

Laniarius atrococcineus

Gorgeous Bushshrike

Telophorus viridis
A photo of a Grey-headed Bushshrike (Malaconotus blanchoti)

Grey-headed Bushshrike

Malaconotus blanchoti

Marsh Tchagra

Bocagia minuta

Olive Bushshrike

Chlorophoneus olivaceus

Orange-breasted Bushshrike

Chlorophoneus sulfureopectus
A photo of a Southern Boubou (Laniarius ferrugineus) , male

Southern Boubou

Laniarius ferrugineus
A photo of a Southern Tchagra (Tchagra tchagra)

Southern Tchagra

Tchagra tchagra
A photo of a Swamp Boubou (Laniarius bicolor)

Swamp Boubou

Laniarius bicolor

Tropical Boubou

Laniarius major
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