Shrikes fall into several groups or sub-families.
They are all primarily insectivorous, but some of the larger species frequently prey upon the nestlings of other birds, lizards and other small reptiles. All have robust beaks, often with a fierce hook at its tip. Most appear to pair for life, and the characteristic duet calls are a way of keeping in touch and maintaining the 'marital' bond. The perch hunters Several varieties of shrike typically perch in conspicuous places and pounce upon unwitting prey. The Common Fiscal Shrike is well known throughout most of South and Eastern Africa where it occurs in farmlands, grasslands and suburban gardens.