Chinese Grey Shrike
NameChinese Grey Shrike
Common NameChinese Grey Shrike
Scientific NameLanius sphenocercus
FamilyLaniidae
Wingspan (cm)33
Length (cm)24
Weight (g)65
Plumage DetailsPale grey upperparts, white underparts, and a prominent black mask extending from the bill through the eye. The wings are black with a distinct white patch (speculum), and the long tail is black with white outer feathers.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include harsh chattering, whistles, and sometimes mimicry of other birds. They can produce a variety of calls depending on context.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland, forest, desert
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds in northern China and Mongolia, migrating south for winter to central and eastern China, Korea, and occasionally Japan.
Identifying Featuresgrey upperparts, white underparts, black eye mask, black wings with white patch, hooked bill, predatory behavior
Description
A medium-sized predatory bird with striking grey, white, and black plumage. It is known for its habit of impaling prey on thorns or barbed wire, earning it the nickname 'butcher bird'.
