Medium-sized, slim shrike patterned in dark gray, black, and white. The male has completely white underparts, while the female has a rufous flank patch. There are large white slashes across the shoulders. Found along forest edge and in forest clearings, lush woodland, cultivations, and gardens. Usually seen singly or in pairs. The song is a slow, highly varied series of many different types of notes, and can include imitations of other birds. Similar to Northern Fiscal, but has a gray crown and back. Distinguished from other black-masked, gray-backed shrikes by the lack of a white nick on the wing.