About Eurocephalus anguitimens A.Smith, 1836
The southern white-crowned shrike (Eurocephalus anguitimens A.Smith, 1836) grows to a length of about 24 cm (9 in), and males and females have identical plumage. In adults, the crown and forehead are white, with a black mask that extends above and below the eye to the side of the neck. The nape and upper body are ashy-brown, while the wings and tail are dark brown. The underparts are off-white, with the upper breast tinged with buff. The lower belly and vent regions are ashy-brown. This species has a black beak, brown eyes, and dark brown legs. Juveniles resemble adults, but their crown is grey rather than white, with slight mottling and barring. The juvenile chin and throat are white, while the rest of the underparts are tinged with ashy-brown. Like its close relative the northern white-crowned shrike, the southern white-crowned shrike is highly sociable, forming small tightly-knit groups that usually contain three to six individuals. Outside of the breeding season, groups may occasionally grow as large as twenty individuals. They are generally not aggressive, but will attack predators such as birds of prey. When foraging, they sometimes associate with Tockus hornbills, feeding on insects that the hornbills disturb as they move around. Group members engage in cooperative breeding: they work together to build a brooding nest, take turns incubating eggs, and assist in feeding nestlings.
