ExploreBirds

Red-backed Shrike

Lanius collurio

The Red-backed Shrike is a small bird with a striking red back and a black mask. It loves to sit on fences and watch for insects to eat. This bird is known for its unique hunting style!

Habitat: Grasslands

Appearance

The Red-backed Shrike male has a distinctive reddish-brown back, a grey head with a black 'bandit mask' across its eyes, and a pale pinkish belly. Females are duller brown with wavy patterns on their flanks, lacking the strong mask.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPasseriformesFamilyLaniidaeGenusLanius
Red-backed Shrike
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Red-backed Shrike

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Males show off their hunting skills by offering prey to females during courtship!

Red-backed Shrike babies are born naked and blind, needing constant care!

Their hooked beak helps them tear up tough prey, like a tiny raptor's beak!

These birds build cup-shaped nests, often deep within thorny, protective bushes!

Special abilities

Ability

Butcher Bird's Larder

Red-backed Shrikes can impale prey on thorns because they lack strong talons, helping them tear food into pieces or store it.

Ability

Mimicry Master

Red-backed Shrikes have a diverse song that includes imitations of other birds, which helps them attract mates.

Ability

Ambush Hunter

Red-backed Shrikes can spot prey from a perch and dive swiftly because they have sharp eyesight, helping them catch insects.

Ability

Long-Distance Navigator

Red-backed Shrikes have an incredible sense of direction because they travel thousands of kilometers, helping them migrate yearly.

Measurements & details

Length
16-18 cm
Wingspan
24-27 cm
Weight
0.025-0.035 kg
Lifespan
5-8 years
Top Speed
40 km/h
Clutch Size
4-7
Incubation
14-15 days
Migration Distance
8000 km

Diet & Feeding

They are tiny hunters that eat mostly big insects and sometimes small animals!

Primary Foods

  • Grasshoppers
  • Beetles
  • Crickets
  • Lizards
  • Voles
  • Shrews

Foraging Method

  • Ambush

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Enjoy watching birds from a distance and be quiet so you don't scare them away.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Red-backed Shrike?

16-18 cm

What is Red-backed Shrike's wingspan?

24-27 cm

How much does Red-backed Shrike weigh?

0.025-0.035 kg

How long does Red-backed Shrike live?

5-8 years

How fast can Red-backed Shrike move?

40 km/h

What does Red-backed Shrike eat?

They are tiny hunters that eat mostly big insects and sometimes small animals!

Where is Red-backed Shrike usually found?

Grasslands

How does Red-backed Shrike hunt?

Ambush

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Where to spot

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