Long-tailed Shrike

Lanius schach

Family: Shrikes · Status: Common resident · Size: 25–28 cm · Conservation: Least Concern

Range

Occurs across Central Asia, the western and northeastern Indian subcontinent, southern and eastern China, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia.

Identification

Adults show variable rufous on flanks and vent, a thick black eyestripe, no supercilium (unlike Brown Shrike), white throat, slaty-grey crown and mantle, and black bill, wings, and tail. Juveniles are duller.

Habitat

Parks, grasslands, and other open habitats with posts and fence-lines as look-out perches.

Behaviour

Feeds on insects, lizards, small birds, and mammals.