The Northern White-crowned Shrike (Eurocephalus ruppelli) is a distinctive shrike species found in East Africa. It is easily recognized by its striking white crown, black mask, and contrasting black and white plumage. This highly social bird lives in cooperative groups and inhabits dry savannas and bushlands.
Where to spot
Found in East Africa, ranging from South Sudan and Ethiopia south through Uganda, Kenya, and northern Tanzania. It prefers arid and semi-arid savannas, acacia bushland, and dry scrub, often in groups.
How to spot
Look for groups of these strikingly patterned birds moving through the bush or perched conspicuously. The bright white crown, black mask, and mostly black body with white wing patches are unmistakable. Listen for their noisy, chattering calls and complex vocalizations.
When to spot
Resident throughout its range, observable year-round. They are active during the day, often seen foraging together in the mornings and late afternoons.
Where to spot
Found in East Africa, ranging from South Sudan and Ethiopia south through Uganda, Kenya, and northern Tanzania. It prefers arid and semi-arid savannas, acacia bushland, and dry scrub, often in groups.
How to spot
Look for groups of these strikingly patterned birds moving through the bush or perched conspicuously. The bright white crown, black mask, and mostly black body with white wing patches are unmistakable. Listen for their noisy, chattering calls and complex vocalizations.
When to spot
Resident throughout its range, observable year-round. They are active during the day, often seen foraging together in the mornings and late afternoons.
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
These shrikes are highly social and often seen foraging in small, noisy groups, communicating through a variety of chattering and whistling calls as they move through the savanna.
We use cookies to improve your experience on our website. Essential cookies are necessary for basic functionality, while analytical cookies help us understand how visitors use our website so we can improve it.
Cookie Preferences
Customize your privacy settings
Choose which cookies you want to allow. Necessary cookies are always enabled for the basic functionality of the website. You can always change your preferences later via the cookie settings in the footer.
Necessary Cookies
These cookies are essential for the website to function properly and cannot be disabled.
Analytics Cookies
Help us understand how visitors use our website, so we can improve it.