Bird · GBIF taxon 9273219
Long-tailed Shrike
Lanius schachAlso known as Rufous-backed Shrike, Black-headed Shrike
Perched atop prominent fence posts or thorny bushes, long-tailed shrikes scan open habitats for small prey with sharp eyes. They impale lizards, large beetles, and small rodents onto sharp thorns or barbed wire to anchor meals while feeding. Males deliver remarkably complex songs that incorporate convincing vocal imitations of surrounding species.
Predatory BirdSongbirdWidespread
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Insects
- Lizards
- Small Rodents
Predators
- Raptors
- Snakes
- Feral Cats
ThreatsPesticides, agricultural intensification, habitat degradation
HabitatsOpen woodlands, scrubland, agricultural fields, grasslands
Life span5–10 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyLaniidae
- SpeciesLanius schach
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Spotting: Scan perches such as roadside wires, fence posts, and exposed treetops.
- Listening: Listen for harsh, raspy calls mixed with fluid mimicry of other birds.
- Ethical Viewing: Keep a respectful distance, especially near active nests or perches.
Frequent Competitor (c) 尹若宇, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by 尹若宇 · cc-by-sa
Image unavailableClose Relative Close Relative 
Genus Relative (c) MarvalPhotography19, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by MarvalPhotography19 · cc-by
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