Types of Birds: Shrikes
Only a few species of shrikes are found in this region, and almost all of them are winter migrants from the northern part of Asia. These passerines are also known as the butcher bird for their habit of impaling prey on thorn or barb wire.
Tiger Shrike |
Despite their small size, shrikes are well equipped with hooked-tip bill, and strong legs to capture relatively large prey. Most of the time, the migratory shrikes are seen catching large insects or small lizards, but they are capable of capturing smaller birds and mammals as well.
Long-tailed Shrike |
Aside from the Brown Shrike, two other species are common migrants namely Tiger Shrike (Lanius tigrinus) and Long–tailed Shrike (L. schach). The former derives its name from the prominent barring on its flank. Both tend to be found in contrasting habitat. Long-tailed Shrike favours open woodlands, with scattered tree and long grasses, whereas Tiger Shrike prefers denser habitat like forest edge, plantations and orchards.
These migrant birds have loud, harsh and grating call, a typical characteristics of the family Laniidae. However, some species may sometimes be seen uttering a short whistles mix with harsher notes of varying length.
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Brown Shrike