This is a crimson-breasted shrike, also known as a crimson-breasted gonolek. They live in southern Africa and the males and females are virtually indistinguishable. I photographed this one in the Kalahari Game Reserve in Botswana. In Namibia — which back in the day was occupied by the Germans and known as South West Africa — the colors of the crimson-breasted shrike reminded colonialists of their homeland flag so they called the bird Reichsvogel, which translates to Empire bird. Nikon D300 with Nikkor 200-400mm lens (at 400mm) ISO 800, f/5.6 at 1/400th of a second
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This is a crimson-breasted shrike, also known as a crimson-breasted gonolek. They live in southern Africa and the males and females are virtually indistinguishable. I photographed this one in the Kalahari Game Reserve in Botswana. In Namibia — which back in the day was occupied by the Germans and known as South West Africa — the colors of the crimson-breasted shrike reminded colonialists of their homeland flag so they called the bird Reichsvogel, which translates to Empire bird.
What a striking bird, Sean. I would be held spellbound if these beauties were flying through the nearby air.
—– Finest livery
—– The baron or baroness
—– Imperially handsome .
So colorful must be a delight to see flying by
You caught a.great shot again
Aunt Sue
Wow, the shrike really does stand out, such a bright red. Nice little bit of history, too. Great image!
great color, I sure wish this little bird would fly downn this way, to southern calif. about 50 miles of the tj. border. ?