Common fiscal

Introduction: Common fiscals (Lanius collaris) are generally common in Namibia found singly or occasionally in pairs in woodland and open savannah. Other habitats include shrubland with scattered trees and grassland with similar tree and bush growth. All 4 sub-species of common fiscal can be found in the country.

Distribution: Sparse distribution in northern Namibia but common throughout the rest of the country including Etosha National Park, Epupa Falls, Namib Desert, Skeleton Coast, Orange River and Fish River Canyon.

Diet: Sits and wait on exposed perch for snails, grasshoppers, moths, lizards, chameleons, frogs, snakes, rodents, bats and birds.

Description: Dark grey back, bluish-grey rump, greyish-white upper tail coverts. Often confused with lesser grey shrike. Year-round singers.

Breeding: Both male and female build a deep, thick-walled cup built of bark, grass and twigs. Females usually lay 1 to 5 eggs between August and June and incubated for around 15 days.

Size: 22cm.

Weight: 40g.