Long-tailed Shrike
Long-tailed Shrike
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19 hours ago
The Long-tailed Shrike, Scientific name 'Lanius schach', is a medium-sized passerine bird belonging to the shrike family Laniidae. This species is widely distributed across a vast range of Asia, known for its predatory habits and distinctive long tail, making it a prominent sight in its preferred habitats.
Where to spot
This shrike prefers open country, scrubland, agricultural areas, grasslands with scattered bushes, and gardens, often found near human habitation. Look for it perched prominently on fence posts, utility wires, tree tops, or thorny bushes, surveying its surroundings for prey.
How to spot
Spotting the Long-tailed Shrike is often straightforward due to its conspicuous perching behavior. Listen for its varied vocalizations, which include harsh, scratchy notes, whistles, and sometimes mimicry of other bird calls. It frequently sallies forth from a perch to catch insects or small vertebrates on the ground, returning to its perch to consume them.
When to spot
The Long-tailed Shrike is diurnal, most active during daylight hours. It can be observed throughout the year in its resident range. While largely sedentary, some northern populations may undertake short-distance or altitudinal migrations during the colder months.
Where to spot
This shrike prefers open country, scrubland, agricultural areas, grasslands with scattered bushes, and gardens, often found near human habitation. Look for it perched prominently on fence posts, utility wires, tree tops, or thorny bushes, surveying its surroundings for prey.
How to spot
Spotting the Long-tailed Shrike is often straightforward due to its conspicuous perching behavior. Listen for its varied vocalizations, which include harsh, scratchy notes, whistles, and sometimes mimicry of other bird calls. It frequently sallies forth from a perch to catch insects or small vertebrates on the ground, returning to its perch to consume them.
When to spot
The Long-tailed Shrike is diurnal, most active during daylight hours. It can be observed throughout the year in its resident range. While largely sedentary, some northern populations may undertake short-distance or altitudinal migrations during the colder months.
Credits:
Door J.M.Garg - Eigen werk, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3360206
The Long-tailed Shrike is famous for its 'larder' behavior, impaling its prey on thorns, barbed wire, or wedging it into crevices for later consumption, a unique predatory adaptation among passerines.
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