- general description
- appearance: the long-tailed shrike has a distinctive long tail and a strong, hooked beak. its plumage generally features a black mask across the eyes, rufous (reddish-brown) back and sides, and white or grey underparts. the wings are usually black with a white patch visible during flight.
- size: this bird measures about 25-28 cm in length, with the tail making up a significant portion of this length. it weighs approximately 30-50 grams.
- behavior: the long-tailed shrike is known for its territorial nature and is often seen perched prominently while scanning for prey. it has a varied and harsh call, often described as a series of harsh and chattering notes. it is also known for its habit of impaling prey on thorns or barbed wire, a behavior known as “lardering.”
- habitat
- range: widely distributed across south and southeast asia, including countries like india, china, thailand, and indonesia.
- environment: this bird is versatile and can be found in a variety of habitats, including open countryside, farmland, scrublands, forest edges, and even urban areas and gardens.
- diet
- the long-tailed shrike is an opportunistic predator, feeding on a wide range of prey including insects, small birds, lizards, and rodents.
- breeding
- nesting: it builds cup-shaped nests in bushes or trees, often in thorny or dense vegetation.
- reproduction: the female typically lays 3-6 eggs per clutch, and both parents participate in feeding the young.
- conservation status
- the long-tailed shrike is currently listed as least concern by the iucn due to its wide range and stable population.
- interesting facts
- the long-tailed shrike’s behavior of impaling prey on thorns or barbed wire serves as a way to store food and also helps to tear apart larger prey items.
- despite its fierce predatory habits, the long-tailed shrike is also known for its melodious song.