Adult - Common in the drier Western Cape. All images copyright Simply Birding.
Bokmakierie
Telophorus zeylonus- Habitat:Grassland with scattered bushes, shrubland and strandveld.
- Diet: Mainly insects but will prey on small birds, amphibians and reptiles.
- Status: Common endemic resident.
- Calls: Song highly variable song, as is the duet which often includes a bok-bok-bok a sound from which it gets its name. Alarm call when alarmed gives some of the grating noises from its song.
- Similar looking: Some similarity to other bushshrikes but the black bib is unique with yellow throat.
- Similar sounding: Olive Bushshrike but Bokmakierie duets. Ashy Flycatcher call is far more timid and soft.
Fun facts
Because of the bok-bok-bok components to its call, it is said to sing its own name. Those notes lead to the name Bokmakierie.
ID pitfalls
This species should pose few ID problems as adults but pay particular attention to all Bushshrikes when presented with a juvenile
Where to find one
Common throughout its range and most common in drier and more open areas but requires scattered bushes for song perches and cover.