Bokmakierie

Introduction: Bokmakieries (Telophorus zeylonus) favour areas with scattered shrubs, trees in open areas such as dune scrub and succulent Karoo. Other preferred habits include orchards, dry areas with scattered shrubs on dunes and rocky hillsides as well as parks and gardens in built-up areas.

Distribution: West and southern regions of Namibia including Swakopmund and Walvis Bay extending south to Fish River Canyon and the Orange River.

Diet: Hairy caterpillars get the full treatment before being eaten. Once caught they are beaten to death, rolled or wiped in grit before being consumed. Preys on lizards, small snakes, chameleons, geckos, small birds, grasshoppers, stick insects, wasps, ants, millipedes, spiders and centipedes.

Description: Medium to large-sized shrike with a mainly green plumage above and yellow or red below. Loud, ringing voice, often duetting. Telophorus is a Greek meaning for 'to carry far' referring to their loud ringing calls.

Breeding: Between 2 and 5 eggs are laid on consecutive days and incubated for around 16 days, mostly from June to January.

Size: 22cm.

Weight: 65g.