A Long Tailed Shrike surveying the area from a small bush
The most common resident shrike found throughout the year in our region. They are aggressive birds and we often sight them chasing the pesky drongoes which spare no effort to trouble other birds including the raptors.
The birds prefer to perch on dry trees with thorns or fence posts around 3 m high and survey the area around for insects. Usually beetles, crickets, small lizards, skinks, dragonflies etc... Once the prey is sighted they dive and get back to the perch for eating - maybe about 50% of the time. If the perch is a thorny perch, the chances of them coming back are much higher since they pierce the prey onto the thorn and then tear them to consume it. This is a behaviour to compensate for the weak legs that cannot hold the prey to tear.
Appreciate all your views and feedback. Many thanks in advance.
A Long Tailed Shrike surveying the area from a small bush
The most common resident shrike found throughout the year in our region. They are aggressive birds and we often sight them chasing the pesky drongoes which spare no effort to trouble other birds including the raptors.
The birds prefer to perch on dry trees with thorns or fence posts around 3 m high and survey the area around for insects. Usually beetles, crickets, small lizards, skinks, dragonflies etc... Once the prey is sighted they dive and get back to the perch for eating - maybe about 50% of the time. If the perch is a thorny perch, the chances of them coming back are much higher since they pierce the prey onto the thorn and then tear them to consume it. This is a behaviour to compensate for the weak legs that cannot hold the prey to tear.
Appreciate all your views and feedback. Many thanks in advance.