Common Fiscal

Lanius collaris

Other Names

  Fiscal Shrike   Pie-grièche fiscale   Fiskalwürger     Fiskaltörnskata   Gekraagde Klauwier   Averla fiscale

World: Africa: widespread S of 10°N although absent from forest and desert regions. In the N of the continent the distribution in Kenya represents its eastern most range. In the S it is found mainly in the SW.

Kenya: Common in the highlands, occurs between 500m-3350m. In the N of the country confined to Mts Kulal, Nyiru and Marsabit. Most common W of the Rift Valley.

Between 1400-3000m this bird is common in cultivation and suburban gardens. It is bold and aggressive and uses acacia thorns of the tips of sisal leaves to impale its prey. There are several similar fiscals found in Kenya but the distinguishing features of the Common Fiscal are the white patches on its primaries, the white scapular feathers which form a prominent V shape. It can be distinguished from both the Long-tailed Fiscal and the Taita Fiscal by the lack of grey on its back.