The grey-backed fiscal is a species of bird in the family Laniidae. It is found in Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mali, Mauritania, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda. Its natural habitats are dry savanna and subtropical or tropical dry lowland grassland.
Region
Sahel and East Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs widely from the Sahel belt through East Africa in dry savanna, open thorn scrub, and grassy fields with scattered trees. It frequents Acacia-dominated bushland, farm edges, and lightly grazed pasture. The species often uses fences and telephone wires as hunting perches. It avoids dense forest and extremely arid desert.
Altitude Range
0–2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
This shrike hunts from exposed perches, swooping to seize insects and small vertebrates. Like other shrikes, it may impale prey on thorns or barbed wire to store food and help tear it apart. It adapts well to human-altered landscapes such as pasture edges and roadside thorn scrub.
Serengeti, Tanzania
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with direct, low flights between perches
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs maintaining territories. Pairs build a cup nest in thorny shrubs or small trees and both sexes help feed the young. Family groups may persist for a time after fledging.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a mix of harsh chatter, scolds, and clearer whistles delivered from prominent perches. Calls include sharp ticks and rasping notes, often repeated in short sequences.
