Helmet Shrikes.

Most Shrikes are solitary birds, certainly in the UK and also in Europe. However, in Africa things sometimes are different with some shrikes appearing in pairs or even greater numbers e.g. Yellow Billed Shrikes. The White Crested Helmet Shrike though, really exemplifies this behaviour. These are gregarious birds within the species. They typically gather in small flocks of five or six birds and roam about light forests and semi open bush country. They are not too shy and they can with caution be approached. They have a striking appearance with a black and white plumage, a large white crest and a conspicuous yellow eye wattle.



We were fortunate to come cross a party of five birds early one morning and they were flying around a clearing at tree top level, when they perched, they allowed me to get reasonably close, you can get some reasonable images if you are careful.



As with all wildlife, keep quiet with no sudden moves. Learn to read when a bird is comfortable or nervous and back off if necessary.