Lesser Grey Shrike
Lanius minor
The Lesser Grey Shrike is a rare and elusive visitor to Britain, typically spotted during spring or autumn migration, with sightings mostly confined to the southern regions. It is a scarce vagrant to the country, making it a highly sought-after species among British birders.
Field Identification Guide
Use these features to identify Lesser Grey Shrike in the field.
The Lesser Grey Shrike can be identified by its grey back, white underside, and distinctive black mask that extends from the beak to the back of the head, as well as its stout bill and long, rounded tail.
The Lesser Grey Shrike is slightly smaller than a Starling, with a more compact build.
The male Lesser Grey Shrike has a grey back, wings, and tail, with a white belly and chest, and a black mask that extends from the beak to the back of the head, with a white stripe above the mask.
The female Lesser Grey Shrike is similar to the male, with a slightly browner tint to the grey plumage and a less pronounced black mask.
The Lesser Grey Shrike has a sharp, metallic call, often described as a loud, ringing "tack" or "tek" sound.
The Lesser Grey Shrike is a predatory bird that feeds on insects, small vertebrates, and fruits, often perching on exposed branches or wires to scan for prey, and exhibiting a swift, direct flight style when pursuing prey or migrating.
The Lesser Grey Shrike can be confused with the Great Grey Shrike, but can be distinguished by its smaller size, more slender build, and less prominent black mask, as well as its more frequent and rapid wingbeats during flight.
Quick Facts
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