White tailed shrike
Introduction: It is estimated that there are around 1.5m white-tailed shrikes (Llanioturdus torquatus) in Namibia. Woodland dominated by mopane, bushwillows and mixed woodlands in the north of the country offer high concentrations of this species. Other habitats include rocky outcrops in arid areas with tall trees as well up the sides of steep mountains such as Gamsberg.
Distribution: Near endemic to Namibian escarpment. Namib-Naukluft, Erongo Mountains, Omaruru, Sesfontein, Khomas Hochland near Windhoek and Spitzkoppe. Numbers can exceed 24,000 in Etosha National Park.
Diet: Forages on the ground and in trees for caterpillars, mantids, stick insects, moths, spiders and some other very large insects.
Description: Black head, small white forehead and nape patches. White tail, black primaries have prominent white markings giving a pied appearance in flight.
Breeding: A deep and compact cup made of bark strips is built mainly by the female, where she lays 2 or 3 eggs between September and April. Incubation lasts for 15 days.
Size: 15cm.
Weight: 25cm.
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