Long-tailed black-and-white shrike. There is a V-shaped white mark on the shoulders, a small white nick on the bottom of the wing, and white in the outer tail. Juveniles are brownish and heavily barred. Found in a wide variety of open habitats, including moist scrub and savanna, farmland, and grassland. Often solitary. Perches out conspicuously on fence poles, dead trees, and electric wires. The song is a highly variable mix of clear whistles and rougher notes. Also gives low, rough calls. Separated from similar shrikes by its black rather than gray back.