The **Black-backed Puffback** (Dryoscopus cubla) is a striking species of shrike-like bird commonly found in sub-Saharan Africa. This small bird, recognized by its glossy black back and fluffy white puffed-up feathers on the lower back during displays, is a master of camouflage when at rest, blending seamlessly into its forest and savanna habitats. The puffback’s unique “puffing” behavior, where males display their soft white feathers as a courtship ritual or territorial display, gives this bird its distinct name.

This species thrives in a variety of environments, ranging from dry savannas to dense forests. It feeds primarily on insects, often hunting for caterpillars, beetles, and grasshoppers among the foliage. Black-backed Puffbacks are known for their sharp, piercing calls, often heard before they are seen. They are agile foragers, hopping from branch to branch as they search for food, using their hooked beaks to snatch prey.

 

Breeding season for the Black-backed Puffback varies depending on the region but typically occurs during the rainy season. The females build cup-shaped nests from leaves and spider webs, usually in a fork of a tree. These birds are monogamous, and both parents participate in feeding the chicks once they hatch. Though small in size, the Black-backed Puffback is a lively and captivating bird, adding charm to the ecosystems it inhabits.