The Chinese grey shrike is a species of bird in the family Laniidae. It is found in China, Japan, North Korea, South Korea, Mongolia, and the Russian Far East. Its natural habitat is temperate forests. The giant grey shrike of central China was formerly considered a subspecies.
Region
East Asia
Typical Environment
Breeds across northern and northeastern China, Mongolia, and the Russian Far East, with movements into the Koreas and Japan in the nonbreeding season. It occupies open woodland, forest edge, steppe with scattered shrubs, and agricultural mosaics. Hedgerows, shelterbelts, and river valleys with perching sites are particularly favored. It avoids dense forest interiors but uses clearings and young secondary growth extensively.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2500 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A large predatory shrike, it hunts from exposed perches and is famous for impaling prey on thorns or barbed wire to store food. Some authorities now treat the Giant Grey Shrike of central China as a separate species split from this taxon. It favors open landscapes where scattered trees or shrubs provide lookout posts. Like other shrikes, it combines raptor-like behavior with passerine agility.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
strong flier with direct, shallow wingbeats and short glides
Social Behavior
Typically hunts alone from exposed perches such as poles or treetops. Pairs form in the breeding season and defend territories vigorously. Nests are placed in trees or tall shrubs, with both adults participating in feeding the young.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Calls include harsh chacks, rattles, and scolding notes, interspersed with clearer whistles. The song is a varied, subdued mix that may incorporate mimicry of other birds.
Plumage
Smooth grey upperparts with a contrasting black facial mask, pale whitish underparts, and bold white scapular and wing patches. Tail is black with white outer feathers and narrow white edges. Overall appearance is clean and crisply patterned.
Diet
Takes large insects such as beetles, grasshoppers, and crickets, as well as small vertebrates including small birds, rodents, and lizards when available. Prey is often subdued with the powerful bill and impaled on thorns or wire to be eaten later. It caches surplus food in a larder during times of plenty.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along hedgerows, forest edges, steppe scrub, and farmland with scattered perches. Frequently hunts from fences, utility wires, and isolated trees overlooking open ground.
