The common woodshrike is a species of bird found in Asia. It is now usually considered a member of the family Vangidae. It is small and ashy brown with a dark cheek patch and a broad white brow. It is found across Asia mainly in thin forest and scrub habitats where they hunt insects, often joining other insectivorous birds. The form found in Sri Lanka which was treated as a subspecies is now usually considered a separate species, the Sri Lanka woodshrike.
Region
South and Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs widely across the Indian subcontinent and into Myanmar, Thailand, and Indochina. It favors open woodlands, dry and moist deciduous forests, thorn scrub, forest edges, and tree-lined agricultural areas. The species also uses orchards, plantations, and gardens with scattered tall trees. It is generally absent from dense primary forest but common in semi-open habitats near human settlements.
Altitude Range
0–1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A small, ashy-brown woodshrike with a broad white eyebrow and dark cheek patch, it is widespread across South and parts of Southeast Asia. It often joins mixed-species flocks, sallying out to snap insects from foliage and branches. The pale whitish to yellowish iris is a distinctive field mark. The Sri Lanka woodshrike, once treated as a subspecies, is now recognized as a separate species.
T. p. pallidus showing the white outer tail feathers and brown central tail feathers (Punjab).
Temperament
alert and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with direct, purposeful flight
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family parties and frequently joins mixed-species insectivorous flocks. Perches conspicuously on exposed branches, making short sallies to grab prey. Nests are neat cups placed on horizontal branches, often bound with spider silk; both sexes share breeding duties.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of clear, ringing whistles and metallic notes, often delivered from an exposed perch. Calls include sharp chips and scolding, buzzy phrases repeated in short sequences.
Plumage
Ashy-brown upperparts with paler underparts and a slightly greyer breast; neat, compact appearance with two subtle whitish wing bars. The head shows a broad white supercilium and a contrasting dark cheek patch forming a mask. Tail is brown with pale edges and whitish outer feathers.
Diet
Feeds mainly on insects such as beetles, bugs, grasshoppers, caterpillars, and ants, and will also take spiders. It gleans from leaves and bark and makes short sallies to capture flying prey. Occasional small arthropods are hammered against a perch before swallowing.
Preferred Environment
Forages along woodland edges, open forest, and scrub with scattered trees. Frequently uses mid-canopy and outer foliage of tall trees near clearings, roads, or fields.
