white crested helmet shrikes | oil on Belgian linen

White-crested helmet shrikes live in remarkably cooperative flocks, and at the centre of each group is an apex breeding pair. These two birds are the core of the family, and the rest of the flock actively supports them. The non-breeding members—often older offspring or extended relatives—help with everything from finding food to defending territory. They’ll even assist in raising the chicks by feeding them, guarding the nest, and sounding alarms when danger approaches. One of their most charming behaviours involves those distinctive white crests. Helmet shrikes use them almost like tiny brushes, sweeping their heads across branches to gather spider webs. These silken strands are carried back to the nest site and used as binding material, helping to secure leaves, twigs, and lichens into a strong, flexible structure. This cooperative nesting, shared parenting, and the gentle care shown toward the apex pair make helmet shrikes one of the most endearing and socially intricate bird species in the African bush.