The Taita fiscal or Teita fiscal is a member of the shrike family found in east Africa from southeastern South Sudan, southern Ethiopia, and western Somalia to northeastern Tanzania. Its habitat is dry open thornbush and acacia and other dry open woodland.
Region
East Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs from southeastern South Sudan, southern Ethiopia, and western Somalia south to northeastern Tanzania. It favors dry open thornbush, acacia savanna, and other arid to semi-arid open woodlands. The species also uses lightly cultivated areas, bushy pasture, and road or fence-line edges with scattered perches. It is typically a lowland to mid-altitude resident within this range.
Altitude Range
0–2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Taita fiscal is a black-and-white shrike that often hunts from conspicuous perches such as thorny acacias, fence posts, and wires. Like other shrikes, it may impale prey on thorns to store food, creating a 'larder.' It is strongly territorial and readily mobbing intruders near its nest. Pairs often remain together year-round in defended territories.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with direct, perch-to-perch flights
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs maintaining year-round territories. Pairs nest in thorny shrubs or small trees, with a cup nest placed well within protective branches. Both sexes participate in defending the territory and feeding the young. Family groups may linger together after fledging.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A mix of sharp chatters, harsh scolds, and clear whistled phrases delivered from exposed perches. Capable of simple mimicry of other species’ calls, with frequent repetitive notes during territorial displays.
