Crimson-breasted Shrike

Laniarius atrococcineus (Burchell, 1822)

Crimson-breasted Shrike, Laniarius atrococcineus, is a southern African bushshrike found from Angola, Zambia and Zimbabwe to central South Africa. It is a non-migratory bird of drier thornbush, thickets and scrub along rivers, and it may make small seasonal movements to lower ground in colder periods. The sexes look alike, with black upper parts, a broad white wing bar and vivid scarlet underparts. A yellow-breasted form is sometimes seen, and young birds are mottled and barred buff-brown with a pale bill.

Order

Passeriformes

Family

Malaconotidae — Bushshrikes

Breeding range

Africa: Angola, Zambia and Zimbabwe to c South Africa