White-crested Helmet-shrike

Prionops plumatus

White-crested Helmet-shrike, photo © by Michael Plagens

Observed near the Mtembur River, West Pokot, Kenya. July 2014.

This striking bird feeds on insects and other small animals it gleans from foliage in the canopy of trees. The snow-white belly and the dark back serve to conceal the bird from potential prey below and from possible predators above. Bright yellow skin around the eyes and a erectile crest in males.

Malaconotidae -- Bush-shrike Family/
[Prionopidae]

Books Available for Sale on ABE Books:

  • Birds of Kenya and Northern Tanzania by Zimmerman et al.
  • Birds of East Africa by Stevenson and Fanshawe

More Information:


Kenya Natural History

Copyright Michael J. Plagens, page created 3 June 2015.