- Brown Shrike
Taxobox
name = Brown Shrike
status = LC | status_system = IUCN3.1
status_ref = [IUCN2006|assessors=BirdLife International|year=2004|id=50959|title=Lanius cristatus|downloaded=12 May 2006 Database entry includes justification for why this species is of least concern]
image_width = 200px
image_caption = Brown Shrike, "Lanius cristatus"
regnum =Animal ia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Aves
ordo =Passeriformes
familia =Laniidae
genus = "Lanius "
species = "L. cristatus"
binomial = "Lanius cristatus"
binomial_authority = Linnaeus, 1758The Brown Shrike, "Lanius cristatus" is a small
passerine bird in theshrike family. It was formerly often considered conspecific with the closely-relatedRed-backed Shrike , "L. collurio", andIsabelline Shrike , "L. isabellinus".This bird breeds across central and eastern
Asia . It is migratory, wintering south toIndia , southeast Asia andIndonesia . A wide range of habitats is used for breeding, fromtaiga and deciduous forest to semi-desert. It builds its nest in a tree or bush, laying 2-6 eggs.In winter, Brown Shrike is found in secondary forest, often close to human habitation. This species is a rare vagrant to
Europe , and has been recorded inNova Scotia ,Canada .The food is mainly insects and small birds and mammals, caught by a sally from a prominent perch. This is a typical shrike hunting technique.
The Brown Shrike is a small shrike. Like its relatives, it is long-tailed, and perches quite upright. The adult male's upper parts and crown are darkish brown. The face is white with the typical shrike black "bandit-mask" through the eye. Underparts are yellowish buff, although the hues vary somewhat between the different races.Its call is a harsh chatter that pierces the early morning air.
Females are less contrasted and have a greyer crown. Immature Brown Shrikes are scalloped on the underparts.
References
Gallery
Further reading
Identification
* Worfolk, Tim (2000) Identification of red-backed, isabelline and brown shrikes "
Dutch Birding " 22 (6): 323-362
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