Woodchat Shrike

Lanius senator Linnaeus, 1758

Woodchat Shrike, Lanius senator, breeds in south-western Palearctic regions and spends the non-breeding season in central Africa. It is a shrike of the family Laniidae, first described by Linnaeus in 1758. The bird is recognised by its chestnut crown and nape. It uses open, lightly wooded country with scattered trees, including orchards, and is especially associated with bare or sandy ground. Its breeding area covers southern Europe, the Middle East and north-west Africa, and it winters in tropical Africa.

Order

Passeriformes

Family

Laniidae — Shrikes

Breeding range

Palearctic: sw

Nonbreeding range

c AF