COMMON FISCAL

Formerly known as a Fiscal Shrike, the Common Fiscal (Lanius collaris) is ubiquitous throughout South Africa and is commonly seen hunting from exposed perches.

It is also common in gardens. This ringed Common Fiscal is investigating the food tray in my garden.

This back view of the Common Fiscal shows the characteristic white ‘V’ on its back.

You can clearly see its hooked beak and the distinctive narrow white outer tail feathers in this side view.

Here you can just make out the chestnut flanks of the female.