Magpie Shrike

Afrikaans name: Langstertlaksman

Magpie Shrike also known as the Long-tailed Shrike

Photo © Steven Herbert

Urolestes melanoleucus

The Magpie Shrike is often called the Long-tailed Shrike. It can be found in Kruger National Park and north of South Africa's borders.

Its preferred habitat is savanna and open woodland. It must have low areas to perch.

The Magpie Shrike feeds mainly off insects but it does eat a variety of other small foods.

Photo © Steven Herbert

A breeding pair of Magpie Shrikes is assisted by a couple of 'helpers'. These are normally juveniles from the previous brood.

References and further reading

Wildlife of Southern Africa - Author: Martin Withers and David Hosking - Published: 2011 - Page: 168

The Birds of South Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Dr. Austin Roberts - Published: 1949 - Page: 307

Southern African Bird Names Explained - Author: Charles Clinning - Published: 1989 - Page: 43

The Birds of South Africa - Author: Hazel Stokes - Published: 1979 - Page: 41

Shrikes of Southern Africa - Author: Tony Harris and Graeme Arnott - Published: 0 - Page: 30

Sasol Birds of Southern Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair et al. - Published: 1993 - Page: 358

Roberts Birds of Southern Africa - 5th Edition - Author: Gordon Lindsay Maclean - Published: 1985 - Page: 644

Sasol Birds of Southern Africa - 4th Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair et al. - Published: 2011 - Page: 390

Roberts Birds of Southern Africa - 6th Edition - Author: Gordon Lindsay Maclean - Published: 1993 - Page: 642

Roberts Birds of South Africa - 4th Edition - Author: McLachlan and Liversidge - Published: 1981 - Page: 515

Newmans Birds of Southern Africa - 7th Edition - Author: Ken Newman - Published: 2000 - Page: 370

Roberts Birds of South Africa - 3rd Edition - Author: McLachlan and Liversidge - Published: 1975 - Page: 503

Newmans Birds of Southern Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Ken Newman - Published: 1984 - Page: 370

Ian Sinclairs Field Guide to the Birds of Southern Africa - 2nd Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair - Published: 1988 - Page: 278

Collins Illustrated Checklist - Birds of Southern Africa - 1st edition - Author: Ber van Perlo - Published: 1999 - Page: 73

Field Guide to the Birds of Kruger National Park - Author: Ian Sinclair and Ian Whyte - Published: 1991 - Page: 188

Birds of the Transvaal - Author: Tarboton, Kemp and Kemp - Published: 1987 - Page: 231

Birds of Southern Africa - Kruger National Park - Author: Kenneth Newman - Published: 1985 - Page: 192

Bird Atlas of Natal - Author: Digby Cyrus and Nigel Robson - Published: 1980 - Page: 253

Animals of the Kruger National Park - Author: G. de Graaff - Published: 1987 - Page: 103

A First Guide to South African Birds - 7th Edition - Author: Leonard Gill - Published: 1975 - Page: 47

A First Guide to South African Birds - 6th Edition - Author: Leonard Gill - Published: 1959 - Page: 47

A Field Guide to the Birds of Southern Africa - 2nd Edition - Author: O.P.M. Prozesky - Published: 1983 - Page: 270

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List of South African Birds