White crested helmet shrike
Introduction: White-creasted helmet-shrikes (Prionops plumaus) breed in broad-leaved woodland. Non-breeding birds of this species head for Acacia savannah and gardens. Noisy breeding parties of 2 to 10 birds are common with group members staying together.
Distribution: Northern and eastern Namibia including Etosha National Park, Rundu, Zambezi Region (formerly the Caprivi Strip), Okavango Delta and Moremi Game Reserve.
Diet: Forages in tree-canopies, branches, tree trunks and on the ground for caterpillars, grasshoppers, spiders, lizards and moths.
Description: Fairly small shrike with stiff, forehead feathers which fall forward over the oval nostrils. Other features include distinctive eye wattles, hooked bill and a flute-like whistling voice. Prionops refers to the ragged fleshy eye wattles.
Breeding: Clutches of 5 eggs are laid from October to February and incubated for up to 3 weeks.
Size: 18cm.
Weight: 34g.
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