Slate-coloured Boubou vs Lowland Sooty Boubou

In short

The Slate-coloured Boubou and Lowland Sooty Boubou are both bushshrikes with similar dark plumage, but they can be distinguished by habitat preference and vocalizations. The Slate-coloured Boubou is found in drier, more open habitats, while the Lowland Sooty Boubou prefers dense, humid forests. Their calls also differ significantly, aiding in identification.

Identification tips

1. Habitat: Check the surrounding environment; open and dry suggests Slate-coloured, dense and humid suggests Lowland Sooty. 2. Plumage tone: Look for a slightly lighter slate-grey in the Slate-coloured Boubou. 3. Vocalizations: Listen for the more varied song of the Slate-coloured Boubou. 4. Behavior: Note visibility; Slate-coloured may be more visible in open areas.

Size

Both species are similar in size, typical of bushshrikes, with no notable size difference.

Plumage

Both species exhibit dark plumage, but the Slate-coloured Boubou has a slightly lighter slate-grey tone compared to the uniformly darker appearance of the Lowland Sooty Boubou.

Behaviour

Both species are skulking and often remain hidden in vegetation, but the Slate-coloured Boubou may be more visible in its open habitat.

Habitat

The Slate-coloured Boubou is typically found in drier, open habitats such as savannas and scrublands, while the Lowland Sooty Boubou is restricted to dense, humid lowland forests.

Voice

The Slate-coloured Boubou has a more varied and melodious song compared to the Lowland Sooty Boubou, which has a simpler, less varied call.