Red-tailed shrike explained

The red-tailed shrike or Turkestan shrike[1] (Lanius phoenicuroides) is a member of the shrike family (Laniidae). It was formerly considered conspecific with the isabelline shrike and the red-backed shrike.

Description

The plumage is a sandy colour. It has a red tail.[2]

Range

The red-tailed shrike breeds in south Siberia and Central Asia.

Habits

This migratory medium-sized passerine eats large insects, small birds, rodents and lizards. Like other shrikes it hunts from prominent perches, and impales corpses on thorns or barbed wire as a larder. It breeds in open cultivated country, preferably with thorn bushes.

External links

Notes and References

  1. Message, Stephen (2001) "The Turkestan Shrike in Kent" Birding World 14(10):432–434
  2. .Worfolk, Tim (2000) "Identification of red-backed, isabelline and brown shrikes" Dutch Birding 22 (6): 323–362