Grey-backed Shrike

The Grey-backed Shrike, Lanius tephronotus, is a member of the shrike family Laniidae, found in the diverse landscapes of South-east Asia. This bird is characterized by its long tail and a striking appearance, with a length ranging from 21 to 25 cm and a weight between 39 and 54 grams.

Identification Tips

Adults of the nominate race boast a black facial mask extending from the lowermost forehead over the base of the bill, through the lores, and around the eye to the rear ear-coverts. The crown to nape and most of the upperparts are a dark grey, with a small rufous patch on the rump. The upperwing is black with pale rufous to whitish fringes on the wing-coverts, secondaries, and tertials. The tail is chestnut-brown with a buffish tip, and the outermost rectrices are light brown. The throat and undertail are brownish-grey. Both sexes are very similar in appearance, while juveniles are browner with less distinct facial markings and barred plumage.

Habitat

The Grey-backed Shrike breeds in high-elevation forest clearings, plateau plains, and mountain meadows adorned with small trees or sizeable bushes. It can be found at altitudes up to 4500 meters, becoming more common from 2700 meters upwards.

Distribution

This species has two recognized subspecies with distinct breeding ranges. L. t. lahulensis is found from north Kashmir to central India and southwest China, while L. t. tephronotus ranges from Nepal to northeast India and central to southern China. During the non-breeding season, they extend south to Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, and Indochina.

Behaviour

Grey-backed Shrikes are territorial, with residents maintaining their territory throughout the year. They exhibit altitudinal movements or migrate to non-breeding areas farther south. In winter, most individuals stay at lower altitudes within their breeding range.

Song & Calls

The vocal repertoire includes a rough, breathing-like call and a harsh territorial call that can be described as zzert-zzert or tchert-tchert. Their breeding song is subdued and musical, often incorporating mimicry of other bird calls and lasting several minutes.

Breeding

Breeding occurs between June and July in India and from April to August in South China. Nests are typically built in bushes, 0.7 to 3 meters above the ground, and are bulky with an untidy-looking cap. Clutch sizes range from 3 to 6 eggs, with smaller clutches at higher elevations. Incubation, which lasts 15 to 18 days, is performed by the female, while the male defends the nest. Nestlings are cared for by both parents for about 14 to 15 days.

Diet and Feeding

The diet mainly consists of insects such as moths, crickets, grasshoppers, beetles, and caterpillars. They may also consume small vertebrates like lizards, frogs, birds, and rodents. Grey-backed Shrikes are sit-and-wait predators, often perching at high vantage points to spot moving prey. They hunt primarily on the ground but may also hawk insects in the air.

Conservation status

The Grey-backed Shrike is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. It is naturally common across a widespread area with a stable population trend. However, habitat alteration due to changes in land management activities could pose a risk, especially at higher elevations.