Species Profile
Magpie Shrike
Urolestes melanoleucus
Quick Facts
Conservation
LCLeast ConcernLength
34.5–50 cm
Weight
55–97 g
Wingspan
40–45 cm
Migration
Resident
Also known as: African Long-tailed Shrike
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Appearance
The Magpie Shrike is a striking bird with a distinctive black and white plumage. Its long, graduated tail is particularly notable, often exceeding half the bird's total length. The body is primarily glossy black, with white patches on the shoulders, wings, and a greyish-white rump.
Males and females are similar, though females can be distinguished by large white patches on their flanks. Young birds are browner in colour with buff-tipped feathers, creating a more mottled appearance, and have shorter tails than adults.
Identification & Characteristics
Colors
- Primary
- Black
- Beak
- Black
- Legs
- Black
Attributes
Understanding Attributes
Rated 0–100 based on research and observation. A score of 50 is average across all bird species. These attributes are relative and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Habitat & Distribution
The Magpie Shrike is found in southern and eastern Africa, ranging from Angola and Tanzania south to South Africa. It inhabits open savanna woodlands, thorn scrub, and lightly wooded grasslands.
These birds are year-round residents throughout their range, showing no significant seasonal movements. They are particularly common in areas with scattered acacia trees and bushes that provide suitable perching and nesting sites.
Distribution
Diet
Magpie Shrikes are carnivorous, primarily feeding on large insects such as grasshoppers and beetles. They also prey on small vertebrates, including lizards, rodents, and occasionally small birds.
These shrikes often impale their prey on thorns or barbed wire, creating 'larders' for later consumption.
Behaviour
Magpie Shrikes are often seen perched prominently on treetops or fence posts, scanning for prey. They are highly social birds, typically found in small family groups of 3-10 individuals.
These groups engage in cooperative breeding, with offspring from previous years helping to raise new chicks.
Calls & Sounds
Magpie Shrikes have a variety of loud, harsh calls. Their repertoire includes a sharp, repeated 'chak-chak' alarm call and a more melodious 'kwe-kwe-kwe' contact call.
During territorial displays, they produce a series of grating screeches and whistles, often accompanied by tail-fanning.
Nesting & Breeding
Breeding occurs during the wet season, typically from September to March. Magpie Shrikes form monogamous pairs, often assisted by helpers from previous broods.
The nest is a large, sturdy cup made of twigs, grass, and rootlets lined with softer materials. It's usually placed high in a thorny tree or bush. The female lays 3-5 pale blue or greenish eggs with brown spots.
Incubation lasts about 18 days, primarily by the female. Nestlings are fed by both parents and helpers, fledging after approximately 19-20 days but remaining dependent on adults for several more weeks.
Conservation
While the Magpie Shrike is currently listed as Least Concern, habitat loss due to agricultural expansion and overgrazing poses a potential threat.
Conservation efforts focus on maintaining suitable savanna and woodland habitats within its range.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for their distinctive long tails and black-and-white plumage
- Listen for their loud, harsh calls, which often reveal their presence
- Observe fence lines and isolated trees in savanna habitats
- Watch for their habit of perching conspicuously on high vantage points
Did You Know?
- Magpie Shrikes have exceptionally long tails, which can make up more than half their total length.
- They practice cooperative breeding, with family members helping to raise young.
- These birds create 'larders' by impaling prey on thorns for later consumption.
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