Shrikes · Perching birds
Great Gray Shrike
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Lanius excubitor
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How to recognize it
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Thrush-sized shrike with a big head and upright perch
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Pearl-grey upperparts, black eye-mask, white cheeks and underparts
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Black wings with a white panel; black tail with white outer edges
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Often scans from a fence post, treetop, or pole; flight heavy and wavering
About the species
The Great Gray Shrike has a calm, watchful look and a habit of sitting upright in the open for long stretches. What stands out most is not flashiness but the way it holds still, scanning from a perch as if it owns the view.
It favors high points such as treetops, poles, and lone posts, then drops quickly onto prey with a direct, decisive flight. Its voice is sharp and shrill, and when alarmed it gives a long whistle that is easy to remember once you hear it.
It lives in open country with trees or shrubs nearby, especially woodland edges, grassland, steppe, and forest-steppe. It mainly eats small rodents, but will take other available prey too, and sometimes stores extra food by impaling it on thorns or wire. Many populations move south for winter, though some stay put in milder areas.
Where to find
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Along the edge of old parks and scattered tree lines by open lawns — watch for a shrike posted on the top of a tree, pole, or antenna, scanning for prey.
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By canal banks, ponds, and reed-fringed water edges — look for a still perch high above the grass, then a sudden drop to the ground.
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On the margins of vacant lots with thorny scrub — often uses a lone bush or fence post and darts down for mice or large insects.
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In winter on open ground with wires and fences — the giveaway is a still, sentry-like posture on the highest perch.
You might also see
Sources
- eBird — Lanius excubitor Sightings map and full description on eBird
- Wikipedia — Great grey shrike Encyclopedia article