This species prefers open habitats with scattered bushes, thorny scrub, hedgerows, and young trees, such as clearings, forest edges, orchards, and abandoned farmland. They often perch conspicuously on prominent branches, wires, or the tops of bushes to scan for prey. Look for their 'larders' where they impale prey.

The male is easily identified by its grey head, black mask, reddish-brown back, and pinkish-white underparts. Females are browner overall with scalloped flanks. Their song is a varied, melodious warble, often including mimicry, interspersed with harsh, scolding notes like 'chak' or 'tchk'. Watch for their characteristic upright posture while perched and their hawk-like hunting method.

They are diurnal birds, most active during daylight hours. During the breeding season (late spring to mid-summer), they are highly territorial and vocal. Being long-distance migrants, they are present in their breeding grounds from May to August, with passage migrants observed during spring and autumn migration periods in various stopover sites.