[2] The bird is found in Djibouti, Ethiopia and Somalia in the Horn of Africa, as well as in Kenya in the African Great Lakes region.

Where its range overlaps that of the Taita fiscal (Lanius dorsalis), that bird usually inhabits more densely-vegetated and less arid habitats.

[3] Like other shrikes, the Somali fiscal perches in a position where it has a good view all round and pounces on any suitable prey it observes.

During the breeding season, it will defend the area around its nest, being prepared to attack any bird that ventures near up to the size of a raven.

The population trend appears to be steady so the International Union for Conservation of Nature has listed the species as being of "least concern".