Long-tailed Shrike
Lanius schach
The Long-tailed Shrike is a rare visitor to Britain, with most sightings occurring during migration periods, and can be spotted in open countryside and woodland edges. It is more commonly found in its native Asia, where it is widely distributed across the mainland and eastern archipelagos.
Field Identification Guide
Use these features to identify Long-tailed Shrike in the field.
The Long-tailed Shrike can be identified by its distinctive black mask and forehead, rufous rump and flanks, and a small white patch on the shoulder, as well as its long and narrow black tail. Its black mask and white shoulder patch are particularly notable features.
The Long-tailed Shrike is slightly smaller than a Starling, with a slender build and long tail.
The male Long-tailed Shrike has a black head and mask, with a rufous-brown back and wings, and a white patch on the shoulder, while the rump and flanks are a warm rufous colour.
Similar to the male, with subtle variations in plumage tone, but overall the female Long-tailed Shrike has the same distinctive markings and colour patterns as the male.
The Long-tailed Shrike has a sharp, metallic call, often described as a loud, ringing sound, and its song is a series of melodic whistles and chirps.
The Long-tailed 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 has a swift, direct flight style.
The Long-tailed Shrike can be confused with the Grey-backed Shrike, but can be distinguished by its rufous-backed plumage and longer tail, as well as its black mask and white shoulder patch, which are more pronounced than in the Grey-backed Shrike.
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