Least Concern Birds

Magpie Shrike

Lanius melanoleucus

Magpie Shrike is an insect-eating bird found in African savannas and river valleys.

Scientific name	Lanius melanoleucus
Conservation status	Least Concern
Class	Aves
Order	Passeriformes
Family	Laniidae
Size	Male: approximately 30-32 cm; female: slightly smaller, similar body length, weight about 50-70 g

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How to identify

Plumage mainly black and white contrasting colors, back glossy black, belly white; tail long and forked, with distinct white tip; head with black mask-like markings, black around eyes; wings broad, tail fanned noticeably in flight; loud and varied calls

Habitat

Open sparse woodland savannas, shrublands, near valleys and edges of farmland

Diet

Primarily insectivorous, feeding on beetles, ants, grasshoppers, also preys on small vertebrates like lizards and small birds

When it is active

Diurnal, active frequently during the day, especially active at dawn and dusk

Where it lives

Mainly distributed in eastern and southern Africa, including Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa; common in Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve

How to spot it

Search in sparse woodland savannas and shrub edges; best photographed in soft morning and evening light; use binoculars to observe flight and vocal behaviors

Photography tips

Recommend using telephoto lens to capture flight and tail-fanning moments; utilize natural light to highlight black and white contrast; photographing calls and foraging behavior adds dynamism to images

Threats

Habitat loss due to destruction and agricultural expansion; local hunting and environmental pollution

Similar species

Similar to other Laniidae species such as the White-tailed Shrike (Lanius leucopygos), but Magpie Shrike has a longer, more distinctly forked tail and stronger color contrast

📖 how to spot the magpie shrike on safari