Least Concern Birds

Southern Pied Babbler

Turdoides bicolor

Southern Pied Babbler is a social bird found in African savannas and woodlands.

Scientific name	Turdoides bicolor
Conservation status	Least Concern
Class	Aves
Order	Passeriformes
Family	Leiothrichidae
Size	Male: approximately 60-70 grams; Female: approximately 60-70 grams

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How to identify

Plumage distinctly black and white, head and back black, belly and underwings white; medium-sized body, relatively long tail; robust bill suited for insectivory; highly social, commonly seen in small groups; loud calls with complex social vocalizations.

Habitat

Open savanna with scattered trees, shrubs, valley edges, and open woodlands

Diet

Omnivorous, primarily feeding on insects and arthropods, also consuming fruits and seeds

When it is active

Diurnal, active during the day, especially in the early morning and late afternoon

Where it lives

Mainly distributed in southern Africa, including Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe; less common in Kenya and the Masai Mara region

How to spot it

Look for them at dawn or dusk along shrub edges or open savanna; listen for their loud calls; use binoculars to observe group behavior.

Photography tips

Use natural lighting to photograph, capturing group interactions and movements during calling; use telephoto lenses to avoid disturbing the birds.

Threats

Habitat destruction and degradation, especially shrub loss due to agricultural expansion and human activities

Similar species

White-cheeked Babbler (Turdoides leucopygia), distinguished by a conspicuous white facial patch; Southern Pied Babbler has a distinctly black and white face without white patches.

📖 how to spot the southern pied babbler on safari