Lesser Grey Shrike

The Lesser Grey Shrike is a slim, elegant predatory songbird, pale grey above and white below, with black wings, a black tail, and a broad black mask that -- unlike most other shrikes -- extends across the forehead above the bill. This gives the face a distinctive, almost helmeted look.

Breast and flanks often show a faint pinkish wash, and a white patch on the black wing is visible in flight. It closely resembles the larger Great Grey Shrike but is more lightly built with proportionately longer wings, reflecting its long-distance migratory habits.

Key field marks

• Pale grey crown, nape, and back with a black mask that crosses the forehead (unlike Great Grey Shrike, in which the forehead stays pale)
• Black wings with a single white patch, black tail with white edges
• White underparts often tinged pink on the breast
• Long, pointed wings adapted for extended migration flights

Similar species

Most easily confused with the Great Grey Shrike, which is larger, has a pale forehead above the mask, and a longer tail. Told from the Red-backed and Woodchat Shrikes by its overall grey (not chestnut) upperparts.

Range

Breeds patchily across central and south-eastern Europe into western and central Asia. It winters far south in southern Africa, making it one of the longest-distance migrant shrikes.

Habitat

Open, warm lowland country such as steppe, dry farmland, orchards, and vineyards with scattered trees for perching and nesting; avoids dense woodland.

Migration

A long-distance migrant traveling from Eurasian breeding grounds to wintering areas in southern Africa, one of the most extensive migrations of any Old World shrike.

Behavior

Hunts conspicuously from perches such as wires, bushes, or treetops, sallying out to catch large flying insects or dropping onto prey on the ground. Highly social on migration, sometimes gathering in loose groups.

Voice

The song is a scratchy, warbling series of notes, often including mimicry; calls are harsh and chattering, similar to other shrikes.

Feeding

Feeds mainly on large insects, particularly beetles, grasshoppers, and dragonflies, occasionally taking small lizards or rodents.

Nesting and breeding

Builds a bulky nest of twigs and grass in a tree, often loosely colonial with other pairs nearby. Clutches usually contain 5-6 eggs.