Black-backed Puffback
Photo: Lip Kee from Singapore, Republic of Singapore · CC BY-SA 2.0

Bushshrikes and Allies

Black-backed Puffback

Dryoscopus cubla

LCLeast Concern
Family
Bushshrikes and Allies (Malaconotidae)
Order
Passeriformes

Overview

The black-backed puffback (Dryoscopus cubla) is a species of passerine bird in the family Malaconotidae. They are common to fairly common sedentary bushshrikes in various wooded habitats in Africa south of the equator. They restlessly move about singly, in pairs or family groups, and generally frequent tree canopies. Like others of its genus, the males puff out the loose rump and lower back feathers in display, to assume a remarkable ball-like appearance.

Summary from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Range and habitat

Sources and further reading

Last updated September 29, 2026.