Great Grey Shrike

Overview

The great grey shrike (Lanius excubitor) is a large and predatory songbird belonging to the shrike family. It is characterised by its carnivorous diet and distinct appearance, which features pearly grey upperparts and a prominent black eye-mask.

Identification

• Approximately 22 to 26 cm long with a wingspan of 30 to 36 cm, roughly the size of a large thrush.
• Pearly grey upperparts and white underparts, with a deep black mask extending from the beak through the eye to the ear coverts.
• Black wings marked by a white bar on the primary bases and a long, pointed black tail with white outer vanes.
• Large, hooked black bill with a pale base to the lower mandible, and blackish legs.

Habitat

Breeding occurs generally north of 50° latitude across northern Europe and Asia. Most populations migrate south to temperate regions during the winter months.

Diet

The species is carnivorous, with rodents making up over half of its diet. It often attracts small songbirds by mimicking their calls to catch them for food.

Did you know?

The scientific name Lanius excubitor literally translates to "sentinel butcher", referencing the bird's habit of impaling prey on thorns and using exposed vantage points to watch for food or approaching hawks.