Great Grey Shrike
Great Grey Shrike (<em>Lanius excubitor</em>) is a species of Shrikes (<em>Laniidae</em>) in the order Perching Birds (Passerines).
Overview
Great Grey Shrike (Lanius excubitor) is a species of Shrikes (Laniidae) in the order Perching Birds (Passerines). A pale gray shrike with a bold black mask and white wing flashes; the largest shrike, a fierce songbird predator that hunts voles and small birds, storing prey on thorns; breeds in northern scrub.
Scientific Classification
Genus: Lanius; binomial: Lanius excubitor; authority: Linnaeus, 1758. Typical size: 22-25cm. Average lifespan: 5-10 years.
Distribution
Breeding range: the Palearctic and Africa.
Conservation Status
This taxon is listed as Extant (living) in the IOC World Bird List.
Remarks
Lanius excubitor complex requires revision, including possible split of Asian Grey Shrike L. lahtora (including aucheri) (Olsson et al. 2010).
