Brown Shrikes are typically found in open habitats with scattered bushes, such as grasslands, shrublands, agricultural fields, clearings in woodlands, and even large gardens. They prefer areas with tall perches from which to survey their surroundings for prey.

To spot a Brown Shrike, look for it perched prominently on exposed branches, wires, or the top of bushes and tall grasses, often flicking its tail. Their calls are typically harsh, chattering, and scolding, especially when alarmed or territorial. Their distinctive black eye-stripe helps identify them.

These birds are most active during daylight hours. As a highly migratory species, they are present in their breeding grounds in East Asia during the summer (roughly May to August) and spend the non-breeding season (September to April) in their wintering grounds across South and Southeast Asia, where they can be observed during this period.