A Great Grey Shrike foraging in a scrublands
A rare bird in our region, but kind of common in the area we visited - the area is a mix of grasslands / scrublands - which is also their habitat. This is the largest of the 5 Shrike species we find here in our state (there are 2-3 more in India though). Much bigger than the Long Tailed Shrike, the Brown Shrike, Isabelline Shrike and the Bay Backed Shrike.
The Great Grey Shrike demonstrates similar behaviours like the other shrikes. It prefers a thorny perch 3-4 feet high and observes the area around it for prey like Beetles, Lizards, Dragonflies, grasshoppers etc.. And then it will grab them and fly to a thorny tree where it will consume it - sometimes piercing the prey to the thorns to tear it apart with its beak. The bird is also frequently observed challenging the pesky Drongoes for territory.
Thanks in advance for your views and feedback. Much appreciated.
A Great Grey Shrike foraging in a scrublands
A rare bird in our region, but kind of common in the area we visited - the area is a mix of grasslands / scrublands - which is also their habitat. This is the largest of the 5 Shrike species we find here in our state (there are 2-3 more in India though). Much bigger than the Long Tailed Shrike, the Brown Shrike, Isabelline Shrike and the Bay Backed Shrike.
The Great Grey Shrike demonstrates similar behaviours like the other shrikes. It prefers a thorny perch 3-4 feet high and observes the area around it for prey like Beetles, Lizards, Dragonflies, grasshoppers etc.. And then it will grab them and fly to a thorny tree where it will consume it - sometimes piercing the prey to the thorns to tear it apart with its beak. The bird is also frequently observed challenging the pesky Drongoes for territory.
Thanks in advance for your views and feedback. Much appreciated.