The lesser grey shrike is a member of the shrike family Laniidae. It breeds in South and Central Europe and western Asia in the summer and migrates to winter quarters in southern Africa in the early autumn, returning in spring. It is a scarce vagrant to western Europe, including Great Britain, usually as a spring or autumn erratic.
Region
Western Palearctic (breeding) and Southern Africa (wintering)
Typical Environment
Breeds across South and Central Europe into western Asia, favoring open country with scattered trees, orchards, riparian poplars, and farmland with hedgerows. During migration it uses open landscapes with abundant perches, including steppe and agricultural mosaics. In winter it occupies savanna, open woodland, and bushy grasslands in southern Africa. It avoids dense forest and very urbanized areas, preferring edge habitats and open fields with vantage points.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This sleek shrike is known for its bold black facial mask and habit of impaling prey on thorns or barbed wire to create a 'larder.' It hunts from exposed perches, making short sallies to snatch large insects in flight or off the ground. After breeding in Europe and western Asia, it undertakes a long-distance migration to southern Africa. Populations have declined in parts of its range due to agricultural intensification and habitat loss.
Lanius minor
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
strong direct flight with short glides
Social Behavior
Breeding pairs defend territories and nest in trees or tall shrubs, building a cup nest. Clutches typically contain 4–6 eggs, with both parents feeding the young. After breeding, birds may form loose flocks and use communal roosts before embarking on migration.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Song is a soft, varied warble interspersed with harsh chatters and trills, often delivered from an exposed perch. Calls include sharp 'chack' or rattling notes used in alarm and contact. Vocalizations can include brief mimicry of other species.
