Nicators

Nicators, belonging to the monogeneric family Nicatoridae, are a small group of songbirds with three species found exclusively in Africa. For a long time, their taxonomic classification was uncertain, with resemblances to shrikes, bulbuls, and bushshrikes spotted at various points in history. Recent DNA studies have supported their status as a unique family. These birds are named from the Greek word for conqueror and share similarities such as preorbital facial bristles, distinct nests, and calls. The Western and Eastern Nicators often form a superspecies and are considered similar. They are shrike-like in appearance, with males generally heavier than females, and the smallest species being the Yellow-throated Nicator. Their coloration is predominantly olive with yellow wing spotting and lighter underparts. They inhabit various forest and woodland regions across Sub-Saharan Africa, each species with its range; the Western Nicator is found from Senegal to Uganda, the Eastern from Somalia to South Africa, and the Yellow-throated from Cameroon to Uganda.