Woodchat shrike

The woodchat shrike is a member of the shrike family Laniidae. It can be identified by its red-brown crown and nape. It is mainly insectivorous and favours open wooded areas with scattered trees such as orchards, particularly when there is bare or sandy ground. The woodchat shrike breeds in southern Europe, the Middle East and northwest Africa, and winters in tropical Africa.

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Distribution

Region

Mediterranean Basin, Middle East, and North Africa

Typical Environment

Breeds across southern Europe, the Middle East, and northwest Africa, favoring open woodlands, orchards, pastures, and scrub with scattered trees and thorny bushes. It prefers mosaic landscapes with hedgerows, field margins, and conspicuous perches for hunting. During the non-breeding season it migrates to tropical Africa, occupying savannas and open bush. It avoids dense forests and heavily urbanized areas but uses agricultural edges and fallow land. Presence of bare or sandy ground improves foraging success.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 2000 m

Climate Zone

Subtropical

Characteristics

Size17–19 cm

Wing Span26–30 cm

Male Weight0.035 kg

Female Weight0.032 kg

Life Expectancy5 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

Woodchat shrikes are classic perch-hunters that often impale prey on thorns or barbed wire to store food and help tear it apart. Adults show a striking chestnut crown and a bold black facial mask, while juveniles are scaled and more cryptic. Populations have declined in parts of Europe due to agricultural intensification and loss of hedgerows and orchards.

Gallery

Eggs

Behaviour

Temperament

solitary and territorial

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats with brief glides; direct flights between perches

Social Behavior

Typically seen singly or in pairs during the breeding season, holding well-defined territories. Builds a cup nest in trees or large shrubs; clutches usually contain 4–6 eggs. Both parents feed the young, and adults often cache prey by impaling it on thorns.

Migratory Pattern

Seasonal migrant

Song Description

Song is a varied, scratchy warble interspersed with whistles and clicks, often incorporating mimicry of other species. Calls include harsh scolding chatters and sharp tchk notes given from exposed perches.

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Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

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