Sigelus silens
The Fiscal Flycatcher, scientifically known as *Sigelus silens*, is a striking medium-sized passerine, more accurately classified as a shrike than a true flycatcher, belonging to the family Malaconotidae. Measuring approximately 21-23 centimeters in length and weighing between 40-60 grams, it boasts a distinctive and easily recognizable black-and-white plumage. Adults exhibit glossy black upperparts, a long black tail with white outer feathers, and immaculate white underparts, notably accente...
Found in a variety of open habitats including savannas, shrublands, open woodlands, agricultural areas, and suburban gardens, often favoring areas with scattered thorny bushes, trees, and prominent perches. Occurs from sea level up to elevations of around 2,000 meters.
Feeds predominantly on large insects such as grasshoppers, beetles, and caterpillars, but also preys on small vertebrates including lizards, snakes, small rodents, and even other birds. Forages by sallying from prominent perches to catch ground-dwelling or low-flying prey.
Fiscal Flycatchers are diurnal birds, active from early morning until dusk, typically observed perching conspicuously on elevated vantage points such as tree branches, utility lines, or fences. They are primarily ambush predators, scanning their surroundings for prey before swooping down to captu...
The Fiscal Flycatcher (*Sigelus silens*) is endemic to Southern Africa, where it is a widespread and common resident species. Its primary distribution encompasses South Africa, Lesotho, Eswatini, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, southern Angola, Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, and the southern parts of t...
Least Concern
- Despite its common name 'Fiscal Flycatcher' in this context, *Sigelus silens* is actually a shrike, belonging to the family Malaconotidae, and is not a true flycatcher (Muscicapidae or Tyrannidae). - The scientific name *silens* means 'silent' in Latin, which is a curious misnomer as the Fiscal...