Rosy-patched Bush-shrike

Rhodophoneus cruentus

Other Names

Tchagra cruenta   Rosy-patched Shrike   Tchagra à croupion rose, Rhodophone à croupion rose   Rosenwürger     Rosentörnskata   Roze Klauwier   Averla Insanguinata

World: Northern to East Africa, ranging from south-eastern Egypt, central and south-eastern Sudan through Ethiopia, Somalia, Kenya and North-East Tanzania

Kenya: Locally common bird of dry bush. Mainly found below 1300m, absent from the coastal lowlands

The Bush-shrikes include a number of very attractive species with distinctive colouration. This is definitely true of the Rosy-patched Bush-shrike which cannot be confused with anything else (which makes it a favourite of ours!). Apart from the obvious "rosy patches" it also has a distinctive song and frequently indulges in duet singing. This is particularly fascinating when it becomes a trio - with 2 males vying for the attentions of a single female