Lanius minor
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Mass
~45 g
Habitat
Grasslands and meadows
Diet
Insects and invertebrates
How to recognize it
The Lesser Grey Shrike looks upright and purposeful, often perched on the top of a bush, tree, or wire in open country. Its plain grey, black, and white look is easy to remember, and in flight the long, pointed wings stand out.
It watches from a high post, drops on insects, and can even hover for a moment while hunting. When excited, it flicks its tail from side to side, fans it out, and gives harsh calls and whistles.
It prefers dry open places with scattered trees, such as fields, edges, gardens, parks, shelterbelts, and roadside trees. It feeds mainly on insects, especially beetles, and is a long-distance migrant, leaving for southern Africa in early autumn and returning in spring.
Quick Facts
The Lesser Grey Shrike looks upright and purposeful, often perched on the top of a bush, tree, or wire in open country. Its plain grey, black, and white look is easy to remember, and in flight the long, pointed wings stand out.
It watches from a high post, drops on insects, and can even hover for a moment while hunting. When excited, it flicks its tail from side to side, fans it out, and gives harsh calls and whistles.
It prefers dry open places with scattered trees, such as fields, edges, gardens, parks, shelterbelts, and roadside trees. It feeds mainly on insects, especially beetles, and is a long-distance migrant, leaving for southern Africa in early autumn and returning in spring.
