Birds and wildlife

Great Grey Shrike

Lanius excubitorGroup: shrikesUK Conservation status:Not assessed

How to identify

The Great Grey Shrike is the largest of the European Shrikes. Small numbers come to the UK in autumn and spend the winter here. They are very territorial so you're unlikely to see more than one at once. Shrikes are often 'mobbed' by other birds who recognise them as dangerous predators. To spot one, keep an eye out for a medium-sized, long-tailed bird sitting at the top of a tree. Its distinctive black mask and grey plumage are often a giveaway.

Key

  1. Resident
  2. Passage
  3. Summer
  4. Winter
* This map is intended as a guide. It shows general distribution rather than detailed, localised populations.
  1. Jan
  2. Feb
  3. Mar
  4. Apr
  5. May
  6. Jun
  7. Jul
  8. Aug
  9. Sep
  10. Oct
  11. Nov
  12. Dec

Key facts