The southern white-crowned shrike is a species of bird in the family Laniidae. It is found in Angola, Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry forests and dry savannah.
Region
Southern Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs widely in dry savannas and open woodland across Angola, Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. It favors thornveld, acacia and mopane woodlands, and semi-arid scrub. Often seen along roadsides, near waterholes, and in lightly wooded ranchlands. Uses scattered trees and bushes for perching, nesting, and scanning for prey.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This cooperative breeder lives in family groups that share nesting duties, including feeding and guarding chicks. It favors thorny savannas where it perches conspicuously and makes short sallies to catch prey. The white crown and bold black mask make it easy to identify even at a distance.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically found in cohesive groups that defend a territory year-round. Cooperative breeding is common, with helpers assisting the dominant pair in nest building, incubation, and feeding young. Nests are placed in thorny trees to deter predators.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocal repertoire includes chattering scolds and squeaky, nasal notes exchanged among group members. Calls carry well from exposed perches and are used to maintain contact and coordinate group activities.
Plumage
Clean white crown and nape, bold black facial mask, warm brown upperparts, and mostly white underparts with dusky tones on the flanks and vent. Tail is dark with contrasting pale edges; white rump is noticeable in flight.
Diet
Primarily takes insects such as beetles, grasshoppers, termites, and caterpillars. Will also snatch spiders and occasionally small lizards or other tiny vertebrates. Hunts from prominent perches, making short sallies to the ground or foliage, and sometimes hawks flying insects.
Preferred Environment
Forages in open savanna with scattered trees and along bushy edges. Frequently uses thorn trees, fence posts, and low branches as vantage points to scan for prey.
