[2] This conspicuous fiscal can often be seen in small groups perching in the open especially noticeable on telegraph poles and wires.

Adult birds are between 26 and 30 cm (10–12 in) in length and weigh between 69 and 80 g (2.4–2.8 oz) (with males averaging slightly heavier).

They are large and robust with, as the name suggests, very long graduated tails and typical strong heavy bills.

The long-tailed fiscal feeds on insects, particularly beetles and grasshoppers, as well as small vertebrates such as lizards, snakes and bird chicks.

It occurs as single birds or in small groups and hunts in the typical fashion for a shrike, perched about two metres off the ground where it watches for and then dives onto prey.