male; black-and-white plumage pattern (South Africa; 2007-06-30)


Common Fiscal
Lanius collaris

Native Range: Africa

Notes: superficially similar to the sympatricaly distributed Fiscal Flycatcher, despite the fact that the latter is in an entirely different taxonomic family (Musicapidae); the Common Fiscal is a true shrike (Laniidae), as indicated by its strongly hooked bill and stocky body; this speies is widely distributed across central and southern Africa; little sexual dimorphism.

frontal view of male (South Africa; 2007-06-30)
female, as told by rufous patch on the flank (South Africa; 2007-06-30)

often sits on a prominent perch (South Africa; 2007-06-30)
note the strongly hooked bill (South Africa; 2007-06-30)

white slash across shoulder; white spot on wing (South Africa; 2007-06-30)
posing for a portrait (South Africa; 2007-06-30)