Southern white crowned shrike

Introduction: Southern white-crowned shrikes (Eurocephalus anguitimens) can be found in riverine woodland, dry, deciduous woodland, Acacia savannah and Kalahari sands. Rarely observed singly, they perch and roost in pairs or small groups.

Distribution: North, central and south-eastern Namibia. Found in Etosha National Park, Erongo Mountains, Epupa Falls, Rundu and the Zambezi Region (formerly the Caprivi Strip).

Diet: Eats caterpillars, beetles, ants, wasps and millipedes.

Description: Large shrike with distinctive white crown and short, stiff feathers on the forehead. Eurocephalus is a Greek meaning for 'broad-headed'.

Breeding: Usually 2 to 4 eggs are laid between November to May in a circular, thick-walled cup made from shredded grass and lined with feathers and grass. Eggs are incubated for around 20 days.

Size: 24cm.

Weight: 79g.