Northern fiscal

The northern fiscal is a member of the shrike family found through most of Sub-Saharan Africa. It used to be grouped with the southern fiscal. Together they were called the common fiscal. The fiscal gets its English and Afrikaans common names from its black and white 'suit-and-tie' appearance reminiscent of the taxman (‘fiscal’).

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Distribution

Region

Sub-Saharan Africa

Typical Environment

Occurs widely across West, Central, and East Africa in open habitats such as savanna, thornscrub, farmland, pasture, and suburban gardens. Favors edges—fence lines, road verges, and hedgerows—where it can hunt from exposed perches. Common around human-altered landscapes and tolerant of light disturbance. Often seen on wires and posts, scanning for prey.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 2500 m

Climate Zone

Tropical

Characteristics

Size20–23 cm

Wing Span28–32 cm

Male Weight0.038 kg

Female Weight0.036 kg

Life Expectancy7 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

A classic shrike of open country, the northern fiscal was formerly lumped with the southern fiscal under the name 'common fiscal.' Its black-and-white 'suit-and-tie' look inspired the name 'fiscal,' likening it to a taxman. Like other shrikes, it often impales prey on thorns or barbed wire to store food and help tear it apart.

Gallery

Exhibiting the white 'V' on the back

Behaviour

Temperament

solitary and territorial

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats with brief glides

Social Behavior

Typically occupies territories singly or in pairs, especially during the breeding season. Pairs are strongly territorial and use prominent perches for display and hunting. Nest is a bulky cup placed in shrubs or small trees; clutches are usually several eggs and both parents care for young.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

A varied mix of clear whistles, chattering notes, and harsh scolds delivered from exposed perches. Often incorporates mimicry of other birds and environmental sounds, with phrases repeated in short sequences.

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Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

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