Lesser Grey Shrike
Lanius minor

>> GENERAL >>>>>

– medium-sized passerine, size of Common Starling
– nocturnal migrant/but diurnal movements take place
– migrates singly

>> VISUAL ID >>>>>


Lesser Grey Shrike Lanius m. minor, AD
BIF1439, 21/06/2010, Hortobágy, Hungary, Mathias Putze
– broad black eye-mask extending to forehead -> Great Grey Shrike
– primary patch well visible from below
– underside plain off-white often with peach-colored wash


Lesser Grey Shrike Lanius m. minor, AD
BIF1440, 21/06/2010, Hortobágy, Hungary, Mathias Putze
– rather long black and white tail (shorter than in Great Grey Shrike)
– black wings with broad white primary patch
– plain grey upperside


Lesser Grey Shrike Lanius m. minor, AD
BIF1441, 21/06/2010, Hortobágy, Hungary, Mathias Putze
– all primaries with white base of about the same width
– stout black bill without distinct hook -> Great Grey Shrike

>> ACOUSTIC ID >>>>>

flight calls not yet sound recorded

>> COMPARISON SPECIES >>>>>

Northern Shrike (v)
Iberian Grey Shrike (v)
Desert Grey Shrike (v)
Great Grey Shrike (v)
Asian Grey Shrike (v)

#songbird #passerine

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