The Grey-Backed Fiscal (Lanius excubitoroides) is an African bird found in dry savanna and subtropical wooded grasslands and acacia scrub. It is also called the Grey-Backed Fiscal Shrike.

The Grey-Backed Fiscal is a black and white bird of about 25 centimetres (10 inches) with a black face mask, grey back feathers, white under body, black wings, and white patches. The male has a grey crown.

Grey-Backed Fiscal

The Grey-Backed Fiscal is often seen in pairs or small groups.

Females build their nests up to 10 metres (33 feet) off the ground, near the trunk of the tree or on side branches. While the female builds the nest, the male brings nesting materials and food for her. The female lays a clutch of about four eggs. The eggs hatch after about 14 days, and the young chicks stay in the nest for a further 20 days.

Grey-Backed Fiscal

Grey-Backed Fiscal

Grey-Backed Fiscal

Photographer: Martina Nicolls

Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM