We Love Animals
Animals Nature Wildlife

Meet Crimson-Breasted Shrike, A Striking Bird with Gorgeous Red And Black Plumage

The Crimson-breasted shrike is striking. The perfect red and black plumage makes these birds stand out from the crowd. If it comes to the pinnacle of red, black feathers of a bird, these gonoleks may come first.

As you can see, this bird species is black on the head, back, tail, and wings (with white stripes on each). Meanwhile, its underparts are a vivid scarlet. A stunning contrast that makes these birds conspicuous whenever they are.

Young Crimson-breasted shrikes have barred buff-brown. Their bill is also paler than adult birds.

There are also some Crimson-breasted shrikes that have yellow underparts. These beautiful birds are supposed to belong to a separate species.

Crimson-breasted shrikes are endemic to Southern Africa, from Angola and Zambia into northern parts of South Africa, with populations also residing in Nambia, Botswana, and western Zimbabwe.

They inhabit arid areas, especially thornveld, Acacia savanna, semi-arid scrubland, and riparian scrub.

This bird species feeds on ants, beetles, caterpillars, and fruit. They seek their food on leaf litter, tree trunks, and whatever they spot on the ground.

During the breeding season (peaking from October to November), both male and female crimsons build their nest on n the fork of a tree or sometimes on a horizontal branch. These nests are made from Acacia tree bark, grass, rootlets, binding together with the spider’s web.

Female birds lay 2-3 eggs then incubate them for around 15-17 days. Unlike many other bird species, male Crimson-breasted shrikes join the incubation process. They also help females feed the chicks until they are fully-fledged.

Currently, the population of Crimson-breasted shrikes is quite stable. Their habitat has been preserved and expanded.

You can watch the video of this stunning bird below.

If you want to read more interesting posts about birds, please visit our website.

H/T: One Big Birdcage

Related posts

Meet Golden-winged Sunbird That Puts On A Stunning Coat Of Metallic Reddish-Copper Color During Breeding Season

Olivia

20+ Animals Who Don’t Need Much To Be Happy

Carolyn Mullet

Elephant Herd Get Super Excited To Welcome Rescued Baby Elephant

Margot Nolan

10+ Baby Animals That Can Save Your Gloomy Day

Carolyn Mullet

10+ Animal Panorama Fails That Are So Bad They’re Good

Carolyn Mullet

Incredibly Rare Baby Zebra With Polka Dots Captured On Camera In National Reserve, Kenya

Margot Nolan

20 Warm And Sweet Photos That Will Make You Love Your Pets Even More

Carolyn Mullet

20 Animals Who Would Totally Win At The Game Of Hide And Seek

Carolyn Mullet

Extremely Rare White Lion Cub Captured On Camera In Kruger National Park, South Africa

Margot Nolan

Quick-Witted Elephants Spotted Using White Mud As Natural Sunscreen In Namibia

Olivia

Huge 500lb Lion Befriends 11lb Miniature Dachshund, And They Become Inseparable

Margot Nolan

20 Animals Who Need Sunshine To Relax And Restore Their Energy

Carolyn Mullet