Babblers in Zimbabwean Folklore

The Arrow-marked Babbler Turdoides jardenii (pictured) and Southern Pied Babbler Turdoides bicolor are sociable species that usually frequent the understorey. Here they spend most of the day noisily moving from place to place while foraging amongst leaf litter for a variety of food items including insects, grubs and small reptiles.

Babblers are named for their raucous communication calls that are reminiscent of hysterical laughter. As they often become bold and venture close to human habitation it is unsurprising that they should feature in local folklore. Indeed, a number of baTonga and Shangaan interviewees related a common belief that a flock of babblers near a homestead foretells the imminent arrival of a visitor.

Local names for babblers in Zimbabwe:

Hochachocha, Dywedywe, Zhongozho – Shona (all dialects)
iDlakadlaka – Ndebele
Chikwalukutaru – Nambya
Ngayakaya, Mayokoyokwani – Shangaan
Dhele – baTonga