Eastern Grey Shrike

Lanius melanoleucus

The Eastern Grey Shrike (Lanius melanoleucus) is a medium-sized songbird found in parts of Asia and Europe. This species is known for its striking black and white plumage, with a distinctive black mask across its eyes. Eastern Grey Shrikes are known for their predatory behavior, often perching in open areas and scanning for insects, small birds, and rodents. They are skilled hunters, using their hooked beaks to catch and impale their prey on thorns or barbed wire. These shrikes prefer open habitats such as grasslands, shrublands, and agricultural areas, where they can easily spot their prey. While their populations are currently stable, they may face threats from habitat loss and pesticide use.

Habitat: Open grasslands and shrublands