Magpie Shrike
Urolestes melanoleucus
Points
10
per confirmed sighting
BirdConservation status: Least ConcernCommon to spot
birds • Laniidae
Magpie Shrike.
M
Urolestes melanoleucus
Category
birds
Family
Laniidae
Size
Body mass: approximately 82.2 g (EltonTraits).
Points
10 pts
A closer look
Field notes for spotting, identifying and understanding magpie shrike in its natural range.
Overview
How to identify it
Habitat
EltonTraits foraging-strata profile: ground foraging 60%, understorey foraging 20%, mid-level vegetation 20%.
Diet
EltonTraits diet profile: invertebrates 80%; endothermic vertebrates 10%; ectothermic vertebrates 10%.
Behaviour
When to look
Not classified as primarily nocturnal in EltonTraits.
Where to see it
South Africa
Zimbabwe
Mozambique
Eswatini
AngolaSafety and etiquette
Observe from a safe distance and never handle or feed wildlife.
Verification and sources
1500 verified species across ten Southern African countries. Spotted an error? Tell us through community guidelines.