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HELMET SHRIKES
Fairly small, insectivorous birds, helmet shrikes have loosely arranged fluffy feathers on the front of the face, which droop partially over the bill. They live in small colonies, four to 20 strong, individual birds never venturing far from the group. Two species are found, widely distributed throughout woodland areas but avoiding the open grassy plains.
The Red-billed Helmet Shrike (Prionops retzii) has overall black plumage, white on the belly and tail. This contrasts strikingly with its red bill, legs, and a red circle around each eye.
The White Helmet Shrike (P. plumata) is more common and can be seen in all regions. Boldly marked in black and white, with yellow legs and eyes, these birds fly restlessly from bush to bush in small groups, often settling on the ground to search for insects.
Both species build comfortable, cup-shaped nests made of fine grasses and shredded vegetation, smoothed down with layers of silk collected from spider webs. The nests rest on branches in fairly low trees, generally containing three or four blotchy light green eggs.
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