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Bay-backed Shrike
Lanius vittatus
22.8194, 72.0634
Field Notes
Description:
It is smallish shrike, maroon-brown above with a pale rump and long black tail with white edges. The underparts are white, but with buff flanks. The crown and nape are grey, with a typical shrike black bandit mask through the eye. There is a small white wing patch, and the bill and legs are dark grey. Sexes are similar, but young birds are washed-out versions of the adults. Bay-backed Shrike has a characteristic upright "shrike" attitude perched on a bush, from which it sallies after lizards, large insects, small birds and rodents. Prey may be impaled upon a sharp point, such as a thorn. Thus secured they can be ripped with the strong hooked bill, but its feet are not suited for tearing. It nests in bushes in scrubby areas and cultivation, laying 3-5 eggs.
Habitat:
Seen near a marshy wetland. It is a widespread resident breeder in Afghanistan, Pakistan and India, and has recently been recorded from Sri Lanka.
Notes:
Clicked by Atul and I have his permission to load this pic.
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