The South African Bokmakierie
The Bokmakierie is quite a common bird in Southern Africa. It does not seem to have an English name, but its latin name is Telophorus zeylonus. It belongs to the Malaconotidae bird family group which includes birds such as Bush-shrikes, Puffbacks, Tchagras, Boubous, Helment-shrikes, Batises and Wattle-eyes. This bird forages for food on the ground and attacks its prey aerially. Telophorus zeylonus eats insects such as butterflies, bees, wasps, locusts and ants. It is a common resident of fynbos, Karoo scrub and suburban gardens. The Bokmakierie seems to get its name from the call it makes – bok-bok-kik
Another Bokmakierie from a different location.
