Long-tailed Shrike

The Long-tailed Shrike, or Rufous-backed Shrike (Lanius schach), is a striking bird with a distinctive silhouette, characterized by its elongated black tail. It is a member of the Laniidae family, known for their predatory habits and perching poise. The plumage varies across its range, but typically features a black mask and forehead, rufous rump and flanks, and a small white shoulder patch. The eastern subspecies, L. s. tricolor, is often referred to as the Black-headed Shrike due to its entirely black head.

Identification Tips

When identifying the Long-tailed Shrike, look for its long, narrow black tail and the robust black mask that extends over the forehead. The bird's rufous rump and flanks contrast with the white shoulder patch. The plumage can differ among subspecies, but these features are consistent. The sexes are similar in appearance.

Habitat

This species favors dry, open habitats and is commonly seen perched conspicuously on bushes or wires, surveying the landscape for prey.

Distribution

The Long-tailed Shrike is widely distributed across Asia, from Kazakhstan to New Guinea. It inhabits a range of environments from the mainland to the eastern archipelagos.

Behaviour

The Long-tailed Shrike is known for its upright posture when perched. It is a solitary or paired bird, maintaining feeding territories. It glides from perches to capture a variety of prey, including lizards, insects, small birds, and rodents. This species is also known for its playful behavior and vocal mimicry, incorporating a diverse array of sounds into its calls.

Song & Calls

The calls of the Long-tailed Shrike are harsh and grating, often compared to the squealing of a frog in distress. Its ability to mimic other species' calls makes it a fascinating and vocal bird.

Breeding

During the breeding season, which occurs in summer in temperate zones, both sexes participate in nest building and incubation. The nest is a loose cup of twigs and other materials, placed in thorny bushes or trees. Clutches typically consist of 3 to 6 eggs, with chicks hatching after about two weeks.

Similar Species

The Bay-backed Shrike is smaller and more contrastingly patterned than the Long-tailed Shrike, with a more prominent white wing patch.

Diet and Feeding

The Long-tailed Shrike's diet is varied, including animal prey such as fish, small snakes, and insects. It occasionally engages in kleptoparasitism and has been observed feeding on fruits like neem.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List classifies the Long-tailed Shrike as Least Concern, indicating that it is not currently at significant risk of widespread decline.