Brown Shrike

Lanius cristatus Linnaeus, 1758

Brown Shrike, Lanius cristatus, is a shrike of the family Laniidae that breeds across central and eastern Russia, Mongolia, eastern China and Japan. Outside the breeding season it moves to India, eastern China, the Philippines and eastern Indonesia. It is mainly an Asian bird and is associated with open scrub. A black mask across the eye is a notable feature. Several populations are recognised as distinct subspecies, and the species was described by Linnaeus in 1758.

Order

Passeriformes

Family

Laniidae — Shrikes

Breeding range

Palearctic: c, e Russia, Mongolia, e China to Japan

Nonbreeding range

India to e China, Philippines, and e Indonesia