The Solitary Doherty’s Bushshrike in Uganda

The Solitary Doherty’s Bushshrike in Uganda: Found in Uganda and other parts of north-central Africa, the distinctive and elusive Doherty’s Bushshrike (Telophorus dohertyi) is a striking and elusive bird. This medium-sized bushshrike is well-known for both its hiding habits and vivid colours.
The Doherty’s Bushshrike is an amazing bird to look at. Adults have a lemon-yellow belly, a wide black breast band, and a vivid red forehead and throat. Their tail is black, and their back is primarily green in colour. With green upperparts and delicately banded yellow-green underparts, juveniles have a lighter appearance.

Habitat and Distribution of the Solitary Doherty’s Bushshrike in Uganda

The Doherty’s Bushshrike is found in montane forests and thick underbrush in Uganda, usually at elevations of 1,500 to 3,350 metres. It favours places with thickets of undergrowth, secondary growth, and dense scrub, frequently with bracken and bamboo. Additionally, Burundi, Rwanda, Kenya, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo are home to this species.

Behaviour and breeding of the Solitary Doherty’s Bushshrike in Uganda

The Doherty’s Bushshrike is a solitary and elusive bird that is frequently easier to hear than to spot. All year long, one can hear the territorial call of this noisy, whistling bird. The bird feeds on arthropods like grasshoppers and beetles while foraging in the thick undergrowth. It is renowned for gliding stealthily through the undergrowth.
In Uganda, the breeding season lasts from May to June. The birds construct their nests and tend to their young throughout this period. From November to March, juveniles have been observed, suggesting a protracted period of parental care.

 Conservation Status of the Solitary Doherty’s Bushshrike in Uganda

The IUCN now lists Doherty’s Bushshrike as Least Concern, indicating no immediate threat to its extinction. But because it prefers crowded, unaltered environments, it is susceptible to habitat deterioration and loss.
The amazing Doherty’s Bushshrike illustrates Uganda’s abundant bird life. It is an important component of ecology and a much sought-after sight for birdwatchers due to its vivid colours and elusive character.

What are the best places to see the solitary Doherty’s Bushshrike in Uganda?

Doherty’s Bushshrike, known for its striking colours and elusive nature, can be found in several prime birding locations in Uganda. Here are some of the best places to spot this beautiful bird:

• The Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is a haven for birdwatchers and a hotspot for biodiversity. The Doherty’s Bushshrike finds perfect habitat on the forest edges and thick undergrowth.
• Murchison Falls National Park: This park is well-known for its wide variety of species and provides fantastic birdwatching experiences. In the dense underbrush, one can frequently hear and occasionally sight the bushshrike.
• Semuliki National Park is home to numerous bird species, including the Doherty’s Bushshrike. It is situated in the Albertine Rift Valley. With its variety of habitats, including savannah and forest, the park is a fantastic place to go birdwatching.
• Mabira Forest Reserve: Another great place to see Doherty’s Bushshrike is this forest reserve close to Kampala. This sneaky species thrives in humid thickets and dense secondary vegetation.

Uganda is a top destination for birdwatchers because of these places, which not only provide the opportunity to see Doherty’s Bushshrike but also a range of other bird species.

What is the best time of the year to see the solitary Doherty’s Bushshrike in Uganda?

In Uganda, the breeding season (usually in May and June) is the ideal time to see Doherty’s Bushshrike. The best time to see the birds is during this season, when they are most noisy and active. The olive back, red forehead and throat, yellow belly, and black chest band of Doherty’s Bushshrike make it an eye-catching bird. It lives in the thick underbrush of highland forests, frequently at elevations of 1,500 to 3,350 metres.

Their characteristic “chuwit-chuwit-chuwit” call, which can be heard during the breeding season, can aid in locating them amidst the dense vegetation. Visit places with a lot of secondary growth and scrub, particularly those with bracken and bamboo mixed in, for the finest experience.