About Eurocephalus ruppelli Bonaparte, 1853
The northern white-crowned shrike, with the scientific name Eurocephalus ruppelli Bonaparte, 1853, is a large, fluffy passerine bird. It measures 19–23 cm in length and weighs 42–58 grams. Adult northern white-crowned shrikes have a white crown and rump, a black eyestripe, brown back and wings, and a black tail. Their throat, breast, and belly are white, and their flanks are brown. The sexes look very similar, while juveniles have a brown crown, white sides of the head, and a grey breast. This bird has a parrot-like flight. Several subspecies have been described for the species, but there is extensive individual plumage variation. Though birds from the northern part of the species' range are larger than those from the southern range, the size difference follows a clinal pattern, and the species may actually be monotypic. Its calls consist of high-pitched squawks, squeaks, and chatters, including the distinct kek-kek and chee-chee vocalizations.
