Look for the Lesser Grey Shrike in open, semi-arid habitats such as grasslands, steppes, pastures, orchards, and cultivated land with scattered trees and bushes. It often perches prominently on isolated trees, power lines, fences, or telegraph poles, using these vantage points to scan for prey in short vegetation below.

Spotting this bird is often made easier by its habit of perching conspicuously. Look for its distinctive grey upperparts, white underparts, and the prominent black mask extending from the bill to behind the eye. Juveniles are duller and have a browner tinge. Listen for its varied song, which can include melodious phrases, harsh notes, and sometimes mimicry of other birds. Its flight is often undulating, with rapid wing beats.

The Lesser Grey Shrike is a diurnal species, most active during daylight hours. It is present in its breeding grounds across Central and Eastern Europe and Western Asia from late April/May until August/September. During migration, they can be seen at stopover sites, and they spend the non-breeding season in southern Africa from October to March.