Black backed puffback

Introduction: Apart from riverine forest and lowland evergreen forest, black-backed puffbacks (Dryoscopus cubla) inhabit closed and open woodland, gardens and Eucalyptus plantations. This species spend most of their time in the tree canopy, usually in pairs or small family groups and are rarely observed on the ground.

Distribution: North-central and northern regions of Namibia including Etosha National Park, Epupa Falls, Rundu, Zambezi Region (formerly the Caprivi Strip), Kaudom Game Park and Tsumkwe.

Diet: Gleans insects from twigs and leaves as well as flying termites, beetles, caterpillars, Acacia buds and the fruits of the mustard tree.

Description: Small bush-shrike with black and white colouration, fluffy back and rump plumage. Characteristic 'puffball' displays. Dryoscopus is a Greek word for 'a watcher from trees'.

Breeding: 1 pair of black-backed puffbacks will remain together for about 4 breeding seasons. Females build a small, neat cup made of grass, bark and roots, where they lay 2 or 3 eggs in either October, November or February.

Size: 18cm.

Weight: 25g.