The long-tailed shrike or rufous-backed shrike is a member of the bird family Laniidae, the shrikes. They are found widely distributed across Asia and there are variations in plumage across the range. The species ranges across much of Asia, both on the mainland and the eastern archipelagos. The eastern or Himalayan subspecies, L. s. tricolor, is sometimes called the black-headed shrike. Although there are considerable differences in plumage among the subspecies, they all have a long and narrow black tail, have a black mask and forehead, rufous rump and flanks and a small white patch on the shoulder. It is considered to form a superspecies with the grey-backed shrike which breeds on the Tibetan Plateau.
Region
South, Southeast and East Asia
Typical Environment
Found from the Indian subcontinent across southern China and Southeast Asia to parts of Indonesia and the Philippines. It favors open habitats such as scrublands, grasslands, forest edges, farmlands, and urban fringes. The species avoids dense closed-canopy forests but readily uses hedgerows, plantations, and mangroves. It often occupies human-altered landscapes and thrives along roadsides and field margins.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 3000 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Long-tailed shrikes are agile, predatory passerines known for impaling prey on thorns or barbed wire to store food. They thrive in open scrub and agricultural edges and often perch prominently on wires or shrubs to scan for prey. Considerable subspecies variation exists across Asia, including black-headed forms in the Himalayan region.
Upright posture (ssp. erythronotus (Keoladeo National Park, India)
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly or in pairs perched conspicuously on wires or exposed branches. Pairs defend territories vigorously during the breeding season and nest in shrubs or low trees. Both adults feed the young, and they may cache food by impaling prey.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Harsh, scolding chatters and grating buzzes mixed with whistles. The repertoire is varied and can include mimicked phrases of other birds, delivered from prominent perches.
Plumage
Contrasting plumage with a bold black facial mask, grey to rufous upperparts, pale underparts with rufous flanks, and a very long, narrow black tail with white edges.
Diet
Primarily hunts large insects such as grasshoppers, beetles, and mantises, but also takes small lizards, rodents, and occasionally small birds. It hunts from a perch, making rapid sallies or pouncing to capture prey. Prey is often impaled on thorns or barbed wire to consume later, forming a simple larder.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along open edges—field margins, hedgerows, scrub, and mangroves. Common along roadsides, canals, and village outskirts where perches and open ground are plentiful.
