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

Southern Grey Shrike

Southern Grey Shrike

23 hours ago
Not yet spotted on Fladder
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.
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Spotted

Recently spotted
1332 (Seen in the last 3 months)
Last spotted
23 hours ago
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