Crimson-breasted Shrike..

The Crimson-breasted Shrike (Laniarius atrococcineus) or the Crimson-breasted Gonolek.

Where do they find these names… “Gonolek” … supposedly imitative of its call… never heard the bird call like that…..

It’s a southern African bird, occurring from southern Angola to the Free State province in South Africa.

This shrike is extremely nimble and restless, its whistles sometimes being the first sign of its presence, although not a shy species. The sexes have the same colouration and are indistinguishable from each other. Young birds have a mottled and barred buff-brown appearance with a pale bill.

The Crimson-breasted Shrike’s preferred habitat is drier thorn bush areas, in thickets and riparian scrub. It makes small seasonal migrations, preferring lower altitudes during cold periods.