The Tiger Shrike is a small, migratory shrike species named for its distinctive barred, or 'tiger-striped', plumage. Breeding in East Asia and wintering in Southeast Asia, it is a shy bird of dense vegetation. Its predatory habits and unique markings make it a fascinating study.
Where to spot
Breeds in East Asia (eastern Siberia, Korea, Japan, northeastern China) and migrates south for the non-breeding season to Southeast Asia, including Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Inhabits dense undergrowth, secondary forests, and scrubland.
How to spot
Look for it perched quietly within dense foliage, often low down. Its distinguishing feature is the finely barred rufous-brown and black upperparts, resembling tiger stripes. Be patient, as it can be secretive. Listen for its quiet, harsh calls.
When to spot
Best observed during the breeding season in East Asia (late spring to summer) or during migration and non-breeding season in Southeast Asia (autumn to spring).
Where to spot
Breeds in East Asia (eastern Siberia, Korea, Japan, northeastern China) and migrates south for the non-breeding season to Southeast Asia, including Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Inhabits dense undergrowth, secondary forests, and scrubland.
How to spot
Look for it perched quietly within dense foliage, often low down. Its distinguishing feature is the finely barred rufous-brown and black upperparts, resembling tiger stripes. Be patient, as it can be secretive. Listen for its quiet, harsh calls.
When to spot
Best observed during the breeding season in East Asia (late spring to summer) or during migration and non-breeding season in Southeast Asia (autumn to spring).
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
The Tiger Shrike is one of the smaller shrike species, yet it retains the classic predatory behavior of impaling its prey on thorns or barbed wire, a trait characteristic of many shrikes.
We use cookies to improve your experience on our website. Essential cookies are necessary for basic functionality, while analytical cookies help us understand how visitors use our website so we can improve it.
Cookie Preferences
Customize your privacy settings
Choose which cookies you want to allow. Necessary cookies are always enabled for the basic functionality of the website. You can always change your preferences later via the cookie settings in the footer.
Necessary Cookies
These cookies are essential for the website to function properly and cannot be disabled.
Analytics Cookies
Help us understand how visitors use our website, so we can improve it.