Least Concern Birds

Grey-headed Bush-Shrike

Malaconotus blanchoti

Grey-headed Bush-Shrike, insect eater in African savannas and woodlands.

Scientific name	Malaconotus blanchoti
Conservation status	Least Concern
Class	Aves
Order	Passeriformes
Family	Malaconotidae
Size	Male: approximately 23-25 cm, weight about 60-80 g; female: similar size, slightly lighter weight

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How to identify

Grey head with a distinct white eye-ring; back and wings dark green or olive green; chest and belly orange-yellow; bill stout and black; tail short and broad

Habitat

Open woodland savanna, bushes, secondary forest and forest edges

Diet

Primarily insectivorous, also preys on small invertebrates and some small vertebrates

When it is active

Diurnal, mainly active in early morning and late afternoon

Where it lives

Distributed in sub-Saharan Africa, including Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and surrounding areas; common in Masai Mara National Reserve

How to spot it

Look for it at bush edges or open woodland savanna during early morning and late afternoon; listen for its distinctive call to help locate it

Photography tips

Use a medium telephoto lens to capture moments of activity among bushes; pay attention to light changes, soft light at dawn and dusk is ideal for photography

Threats

Habitat destruction and degradation, agricultural expansion and deforestation

Similar species

Similar to other species in the genus Malaconotus; distinguished by grey head and distinct eye-ring, whereas the Black-headed Bush-Shrike has a darker head and no distinct eye-ring

📖 how to spot the grey headed bush shrike on safari