Birds
File:Alcaudón real (Lanius meridionalis) (5252094684).jpg

Iberian Gray Shrike

Iberian Gray Shrike

65
1 week ago
Spotted
The Southern Grey Shrike is a widespread predatory bird found across North Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Asia. It is a large, striking shrike with predominantly grey plumage, a black mask, and a powerful bill. It inhabits arid and semi-arid open landscapes, hunting insects and small vertebrates.
Where to spot
Distributed across North Africa (Mauritania to Somalia), the Middle East, and parts of Central Asia (including Arabian Peninsula, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan). Prefers arid and semi-arid open landscapes, desert edges, steppes, and thorn scrub.
How to spot
Look for it perched prominently on a bush, fence post, or tree in open, often sparse, habitats. Identify it by its overall grey color, distinct black mask, and strong bill. Its bold and aggressive hunting style is characteristic. Listen for its varied, often harsh, calls.
When to spot
Resident throughout most of its range, observable year-round. Most active during daylight hours, particularly mornings and late afternoons.
File:Alcaudón real (Lanius meridionalis) (5252094684).jpg
File:Iberische klapekster - Iberian grey shrike - Lanius meridionalis.jpg
File:Iberische klapekster - Iberian grey shrike - Lanius meridionalis 2.jpg
File:Lanius meridionalis, Pêra, Algarve, Portugal 1.jpg
File:Lanius meridionalis, Pêra, Algarve, Portugal 1 (cropped).jpg
File:Lanius meridionalis MWNH 2307.jpg
File:Southern grey shrike (Lanius meridionalis lahtora).jpg
File:Alcaudón real (Lanius meridionalis) (5252094684).jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Iberische klapekster - Iberian grey shrike - Lanius meridionalis.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Iberische klapekster - Iberian grey shrike - Lanius meridionalis 2.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Lanius meridionalis, Pêra, Algarve, Portugal 1.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Lanius meridionalis, Pêra, Algarve, Portugal 1 (cropped).jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Lanius meridionalis MWNH 2307.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Southern grey shrike (Lanius meridionalis lahtora).jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
Historically, the Southern Grey Shrike was often considered a subspecies of the Great Grey Shrike, but recent genetic and vocal studies have confirmed its status as a distinct species, highlighting evolutionary divergence in a widespread group.
Loading...

Spotted

Recently spotted
3438 (Seen in the last 3 months)
Last spotted
1 week ago

Monthly observations

1 observation
Loading...
Timo Sedlmayr
Timo Sedlmayr
3 months ago
Iberian Gray Shrike
Spotted Iberian Gray Shrike
Spotted Iberian Gray Shrike
+80
Lifer
No likes yet
Login to like

Also interesting

File:Long-tailed Shrike Lanius schach Velavadar National Park, Gujarat, India DSCN7252.jpg
100

Long-tailed Shrike

Shrikes
File:Eurocephalus anguitimens ssp. anguitimens.jpg
100

White-crowned Shrike

Shrikes
File:Magpie Shrike (Urolestes melanoleucus).jpg
100

Magpie Shrike

Shrikes
File:Lanius phoenicuroides 190416295.jpg
95

Red-tailed Shrike

Shrikes
File:Alcaudón culiblanco (Eurocephalus ruppelli), parque nacional de Tarangire, Tanzania, 2024-05-24, DD 36.jpg
100

White-rumped Shrike

Shrikes
File:A Grey-backed Fiscal, Lanius excubitoroides in Bwindi Impenetrable.jpg
100

Gray-backed Fiscal

Shrikes
File:Lanius tigrinus Malaysia.jpg
100

Tiger Shrike

Shrikes
klapekster op een tak
45

Great Gray Shrike

Shrikes
File:Lanius sphenocercus.jpg
100

Chinese Gray Shrike

Shrikes
File:LaniusMackinnoniKeulemans.jpg
100

Mackinnon's Shrike

Shrikes