Lykkers, imagine walking through a quiet woodland or farmland in southern Africa, when suddenly a bold, ringing call cuts through the silence. That voice belongs to Telophorus zeylonus, better known as the Bokmakierie.

This bird is one of nature's living jewels—brightly colored, strong-voiced, and perfectly adapted to its environment. It's not just another bird in the trees, but a symbol of vibrancy and survival.

What It Looks Like

We can't help but notice its appearance. The Bokmakierie is a medium-sized songbird, wearing a vivid "coat" of green, yellow, and fiery red feathers. Its chest glows golden yellow, while its throat often shows striking patches of red-orange. The strong, slightly curved beak has tiny serrations, built for precision when catching insects.

Unlike some species where males look different from females, both genders of the Bokmakierie share the same dazzling patterns—making every encounter a colorful one.

The Bird's Signature Song

If we don't see it right away, we almost certainly hear it. The Bokmakierie has one of the loudest and most musical calls among bushshrikes. Its voice carries across open fields and valleys, echoing like a duet when pairs call back and forth. Local people often recognize the bird by sound before sight, as its melody can be heard far and wide.

That's how it earned its Afrikaans nickname "Bokmakierie," imitating the rhythm of its call.

Where We Can Find It

This bird is at home across southern Africa. We can spot it in Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho, Mozambique, South Africa, Eswatini, and Zimbabwe. The Bokmakierie loves open habitats—woodlands, scrublands, grasslands, and even the edges of farmlands and gardens.

Its ability to live close to human spaces makes it one of the more familiar wild birds for local communities. Imagine sipping morning tea in a countryside garden and hearing this bird sing—it's a natural alarm clock that never fails.

A Flexible Traveler

While the Bokmakierie doesn't migrate long distances, it does show seasonal movement, shifting slightly when food sources change. This flexibility allows it to thrive even in challenging conditions. Whether in dry savannas or lush green fields, it adapts quickly, reminding us of how resilience keeps life thriving.

Nesting and Raising Young

We'll also be impressed by its nesting skills. Bokmakieries build tidy, cup-shaped nests, often hidden in shrubs or small trees. Their chicks hatch blind and helpless, depending fully on their parents. Both the male and female share duties—feeding insects, guarding the nest, and teaching the young until they are strong enough to fly. Watching this teamwork in the wild is a touching reminder of how cooperation ensures survival.

The Role in Nature

Beyond beauty and song, the Bokmakierie plays an important ecological role. By feeding on insects, spiders, and small creatures, it helps keep pest populations under control. Its presence signals a healthy, balanced ecosystem. For farmers, having this bird nearby is a blessing—it's nature's helper in protecting crops without chemicals.

Conservation Status

Good news for us bird lovers—the Bokmakierie is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. That means it isn't in immediate danger. However, we should never take its survival for granted. Habitat loss, urban growth, and environmental change could one day threaten it.

Protecting scrublands, gardens, and forest edges not only keeps this bird safe but also safeguards countless other creatures that share its home.

Our Last Melody

The Bokmakierie is more than just a bird—it's the voice of southern Africa's fields and forests. With its vivid feathers and echoing song, it reminds us how rich and alive our world truly is. Next time we travel through open countryside or even a simple garden in this region, let's pause and listen.

If a bold, cheerful call rings out, we might just be in the company of the Bokmakierie. Lykkers, wouldn't it be wonderful if we carried its spirit—bright, resilient, and full of song—into our own daily lives?

Bokmakierie's calling Karoo - Filmed by Greg Morgan

Video by Greg Morgan (Cape Town Wild)