Southern White-crowned Shrike
Eurocephalus anguitimens
Southern White-crowned Shrike has a distinctive white crown and lives in African savannas.
| Scientific name | Eurocephalus anguitimens |
|---|---|
| Conservation status | Least Concern |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Laniidae |
| Size | Male: approximately 28-30 cm, weight about 70-90 g; female: slightly smaller in size and lighter in weight |
How to identify
Distinct white crown feathers on the top of the head; body mostly a mix of gray and white; black mask running through the eyes; relatively long black tail; strong, slightly curved bill
Habitat
Open woodland savanna, shrubland, open forests, and semi-arid areas
Diet
Primarily insectivorous, also preys on small invertebrates and occasionally fruits
When it is active
Diurnal, active during the day
Where it lives
Mainly distributed in southern Africa, including Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and northern South Africa; less common in Kenya and the Masai Mara region
How to spot it
Search along edges of open woodland savanna and shrubland during soft light at dawn or dusk, paying attention to its characteristic white crown and black mask
Photography tips
Use a telephoto lens to capture head features, choose times with ample natural light, keep background simple to highlight the crown and mask
Threats
Habitat destruction and degradation, especially due to agricultural expansion and overgrazing
Similar species
Northern White-crowned Shrike (Eurocephalus rueppelli), differs by having a purer white crown, slightly larger size, and different distribution range
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