WILD BIRD WEDNESDAY and GOOD FENCES - South Africa

This is a bird I photographed when my friends and I stopped for a picnic before reaching Kruger National Park, South Africa.   It is a Common Fiscal.

Common Fiscal

21–23 cm

A common black-and-white shrike of open country; often goes by the local name of ‘jackie hangman' from its habit of catching prey on thorn ‘larders'.   Resembles Fiscal Flycatcher, but tail is longer and is white-edged (not white in panels); bill heavier and stance more squat. In most races, female has chestnut flanks. Juv. is greyish brown, with fine dark bars on its head, back and flanks.

Voice: Harsh, grating call ‘dwrrr-wrrrr'; song is melodious and jumbled, often with harsher notes and mimicry of other birds.  

Common resident in most open habitats, including parks and gardens. Solitary or in pairs, in permanent territories; often hunts from 

roadside fences and telephone wires.

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