The Great Gray Shrike (Lanius excubitor) is a large passerine bird of the family Laniidae, distributed across Europe, Asia, and North Africa. Its scientific name, Lanius excubitor, means “sentinel executioner,” alluding to the bird’s predatory nature.

It is easily recognized by its characteristic grey back, black mask, and white underparts. Thanks to its powerful bill, it feeds on small mammals, birds, and large insects. This species is noted for impaling its prey on thorny shrubs or wire fences, and it inhabits open country and scrublands.

Northern populations are migratory, while some southern groups are resident. In winter, it can be observed in various regions of Türkiye, and globally it is assessed as “Least Concern.”

^{Great Gray Shrike (Gérard Meyer, flickr)}

Morphological Features

The Great Gray Shrike (Lanius excubitor) is a large-built bird. Body length ranges from 22 to 26 cm, with a wingspan of 30 to 34 cm. Weight typically varies between 55 and 80 g. The head, nape, and back are light grey. A distinct black mask extends from the bill to the ear-coverts, contrasting with the white cheeks and chin. An indistinct white supercilium may be present. The back often appears paler than the breast.

The wings are dark black, with prominent white patches at the base of the flight feathers, clearly visible when the bird is at rest with folded wings. The tail is black, with the outer feathers edged and tipped with white. The underparts are generally white or pale grey; the breast may appear slightly darker than the belly. The bill is short, strong, and slightly hooked; tomial “teeth” on the upper mandible help dispatch prey. The legs and feet are dark gray or black.

Males and females are very similar in color and pattern. Females may show slightly less white on the wings and tail, but this difference is seldom striking. Juveniles are overall paler, with fine brown streaking on the body and a softer, brownish mask. These age-related differences aid in determining an individual’s life stage.

^{Great Gray Shrike in Flight (Gérard Meyer, flickr)}

Distribution and Habitat

The Great Gray Shrike has a broad geographic range, extending from parts of North America through much of Europe, inland Asia, and North Africa. Its breeding grounds are generally in northern latitudes: Canada, the Scandinavian countries, Poland, Russia, and northern China are key breeding areas. In winter, these birds migrate south to wintering areas that include Türkiye, the Middle East, North Africa, and northern India. Migrants depart breeding areas in autumn for milder regions and return north in spring.

Preferred habitats are open and semi-open ecosystems: agricultural fields, heathlands, marsh edges, sparse wooded steppes, coastal dunes, and tundra transition zones. They require elevated perches for hunting and observation, and thus frequently use wire fences, power lines, fence posts, and solitary trees. Outside the breeding season, grasslands and plains are more heavily utilized. Habitat structure is closely linked to both hunting and nesting strategies.

^{Distribution Map (IUCN Red List)}

Behavior and Ecology

A predatory passerine, the Great Gray Shrike typically spots prey from a high vantage point and then dives swiftly to capture it. It often impales prey on thorny shrubs or wire fences, caching food for later consumption, a behavior that aids both in storing food and in tearing prey apart. Tomial tooth–like structures on the bill ensure the efficient dispatch of prey. The species is strongly territorial, especially during the breeding season.

^{Great Gray Shrike (xulescu_g, flickr)}

Diet

Its diet consists mainly of small mammals, birds, lizards, amphibians, and large insects. Common prey include field voles, sparrows, grasshoppers, insect larvae, lizard species, and certain mollusks. Spiders, earthworms, and snails are also taken, and occasional fruit or carrion may be eaten. Prey choice varies with habitat and season: in spring, vertebrate prey is favored, whereas in summer, insect consumption increases.

Breeding

The breeding season varies with geography and climate. In northern Europe, breeding occurs from March to July; in more southern populations, it may begin as early as April. The species is monogamous, with pairs remaining together throughout the breeding season. The nest is built in the side branches of trees or within dense shrubs, several meters above the ground. Both sexes contribute: the outer structure is woven from dry twigs, grasses, and roots; the interior is lined with feathers, animal hair, and fine fibers. The female typically lays 5–7 eggs. Incubation lasts about 15 days; nestlings fledge at 19–20 days. Both parents feed the young.

Vocalizations

This species produces high, sharp, and twanging calls. Alarm and territorial calls are often short, explosive “chak” or “shak” notes. During the breeding season, males deliver more complex songs, including imitations of other bird species. Its mimicry ability broadens its repertoire, allowing varied vocal expressions in different settings. Vocal behavior plays a role in inter-individual communication and territory defense. In silent environments, its abrupt, intermittent songs are easily heard. Song activity increases during the breeding, with males calling more frequently and at higher pitches to attract mates and deter rivals.

^{Great Gray Shrike Song (Tero Linjama, Xeno-canto)}

Conservation Status

The Great Gray Shrike (Lanius excubitor) is classified as “Least Concern” by the IUCN due to its extensive range and large population. As of the 2024 assessment, the global adult population is estimated at approximately 640,000–1,250,000 individuals, though more precise verification is needed.

Although not globally threatened, European populations have shown gradual declines in recent years. Primary causes include changes in agricultural land use, pesticide application, removal of hedgerows and trees, and cessation of grazing, leading to scrub encroachment. Peat bog drainage, harsh winters, and human disturbance also have local impacts. Industrial development and road construction fragment and degrade habitats.

In many European countries, it is legally protected; in some, it appears on national red lists as “Endangered” or “Vulnerable.” The species is listed on Appendix II of the Bern Convention and is protected under the EU Habitats Directive.^【1】