2023 Bonanza Bird #2

Exploring the Charms of the Bokmakierie: Southern Africa's Singing Bush-Shrike

Today a striking bird from southern Africa joins Birdorable. It's the Bokmakierie!

The Bokmakierie is a vibrant and charismatic bird that's as interesting as it is melodious.

Native to Southern Africa, the Bokmakierie is a bush-shrike, known for its striking yellow and green plumage and a loud, melodious call. The name 'Bokmakierie' actually mimics the sound of its song, which is a unique way nature names itself! This bird is not only a visual treat with its bright colors but also an auditory delight. Its duets, often performed in pairs with a far-carrying voice and liquid-like song in a back-and-forth pattern, are a common and cheerful presence in scrublands and open grasslands of South Africa.

Once a pair of Bokmakierie get together, both the male and female are involved in building their nest, which is a neat cup shape hidden in dense bushes. They work together from incubation to raising their young, which is a beautiful example of teamwork in the wild.

In a world that's increasingly urban, the Bokmakierie reminds us of the diverse and vibrant life that thrives in the wilderness. If you ever find yourself in the South African bushveld, listen out for the distinctive call of the Bokmakierie. It's not just a call; it's a song that narrates the story of the untamed African landscapes.

Cute Bokmakierie gifts

Bokmakierie at Aghulas National Park in South Africa

Guess tomorrow's bird ...

Get ready to meet our mystery bird for tomorrow! This bird is named after a country. Originally hailing from the wetlands and savannas of Africa, it's made a remarkable journey and can now be found in various parts of the world. Can you guess what bird it might be?

Comments

Tlatophus on November 28, 2023 at 10:46 AM wrote:
Egyptian Goose?
Birdorable on November 30, 2023 at 9:24 AM wrote:
Well done, Tlatophus! It is the Egyptian Goose.

Leave a comment

Comments with links or HTML will be deleted. Your comment will be published pending approval.
Your email address will not be published
You can unsubscribe from these communications at any time. For more information on how to unsubscribe, our privacy practices, and how we are committed to protecting and respecting your privacy, please review our Privacy Policy. By clicking submit below, you consent to allow Birdorable to store and process the personal information submitted above to provide you the content requested.

2018 Bonanza Bird #4: Emu

Today we are revealing our 700th Birdorable species: the Emu! This species has been our most requested bird since we started Birdorable. The Emu is the world's second largest bird species, just after the Ostrich. These flightless birds are endemic to...

2014 Bonanza Bird #5: Black-throated Finch

The 5th bird in our 2014 Bonanza is an Australian songbird, the Black-throated Finch! Black-throated Finches are granivorous, meaning they eat seeds and grains. They are endemic to Australia, where they are found...

2015 Bonanza Bird #3: Blue-billed Curassow

Today our Birdorable Bonanza: 2015 Advent Edition continues with a grouse-like bird from South America: the Blue-billed Curassow. The Blue-billed Curassow is a large species endemic to Colombia in South America. Males, like our cute Birdorable version here, have a mostly...

Introducing the Striated Caracara: A Raptor with Vulture-like Habits

We're adding one brand new bird species each day until we reach our 500th Birdorable at the end of July! Today's Bonanza bird is the Striated Caracara. The Striated Caracara is remarkable because it has the southern-most breeding population of any bird...