Species Profile
Red-backed Shrike
Lanius collurio
Red-backed Shrike
Quick Facts
Conservation
LCLeast ConcernAlso known as: Butcher bird
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Appearance
The Red-backed Shrike is a striking small bird with a distinctive appearance. Males have a bluish-grey head, black eye mask, and reddish-brown back, while their underparts are pale pink. The tail is black with white outer edges.
Females are less colourful, with brown upperparts and barred underparts. Juveniles resemble females but have more extensive barring. Both sexes have a slightly hooked black bill and black legs. The females beak is slightly lighter in colour.
Identification & Characteristics
Male Colors
- Primary
- Grey
- Secondary
- Black
- Beak
- Black
- Legs
- Black
Female Colors
- Primary
- Brown
- Secondary
- White
- Beak
- Black
- Legs
- Black
Female Markings
Finely barred underparts, less prominent mask
Attributes
Understanding Attributes
Rated 0–100 based on research and observation. A score of 50 is average across all bird species. These attributes are relative and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Habitat & Distribution
Red-backed Shrikes inhabit open areas with scattered bushes and trees, including woodland edges, hedgerows, and grasslands. They breed across much of Europe and western Asia, with a range extending from Portugal to central Siberia.
These birds are long-distance migrants, wintering in eastern and southern Africa. In the UK, they were once widespread but are now rare summer visitors, mainly seen during migration in eastern and southern coastal areas.
They are among the rarest breeding birds in the UK, with a maximum of three pairs raising their young each year. Isolated breeding reports have been recorded in the Shetland Isles, Wales and in south-west England in recent years.
Distribution
Diet
Red-backed Shrikes are primarily insectivorous, feeding on large insects such as beetles, bees, and grasshoppers. They also prey on small vertebrates, including lizards, small birds, and rodents (particularly voles).
They hunt from perches, swooping to catch their prey and killing it by either beating it on the ground or decapitating it. It is then carried to a sharp ‘butchering’ thorn or twig, where it is impaled and cached ahead of being picked apart and eaten.
Some berries and fruit may also be eaten later in the autumn, during migration.
Behaviour
Red-backed Shrikes are known for their unique hunting behaviour. They often perch on exposed branches, scanning for prey before swooping down to catch insects or small vertebrates.
These birds are famous for impaling their prey on thorns or barbed wire, creating 'larders' for later consumption.
Calls & Sounds
The Red-backed Shrike's vocal repertoire includes a variety of harsh calls and warbling songs. Their most characteristic sound is a sharp, grating 'chack' or 'shack' alarm call.
During courtship, males produce a quiet, warbling song that includes mimicry of other bird species, including Chaffinches, Starlings, Blackbirds and Great Tits.
Nesting & Breeding
Red-backed Shrikes form monogamous pairs each breeding season, typically from May to July. Males perform aerial displays and offer food to attract females.
The nest is a cup-shaped structure made of grass, roots, and moss, usually placed in a thorny bush or dense shrub. Females lay 4-6 eggs, which are pale green or cream with brown speckles.
Both parents incubate the eggs for about 14 days. Chicks fledge after 14-16 days but remain dependent on parents for another 2-3 weeks. Pairs usually raise one brood per season, occasionally two in favourable conditions.
Conservation
While globally listed as Least Concern, Red-backed Shrikes have experienced significant declines in parts of their range, particularly in Western Europe.
In the UK, they are now rare breeding birds. Habitat loss and agricultural intensification are primary threats, prompting conservation efforts to restore suitable breeding habitats.
Elevation
Up to 3,200 meters
Additional Details
- Predators:
- Main predators of Red-backed Shrikes include birds of prey such as Sparrowhawks and Hobbies, as well as corvids like Magpies and Jays. Ground predators may also raid nests.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Red-backed Shrikes perched prominently on fence posts or outer branches of bushes
- Listen for their harsh 'chack' call, which can help locate them
- Search for their 'larders' - insects or small animals impaled on thorns
- In the UK, visit eastern England during late spring and summer for the best chance of spotting them
Did You Know?
- Red-backed Shrikes can mimic the calls of other bird species in their songs.
- They have a 'larder' behaviour, impaling prey on thorns for later consumption.
- Despite their small size, they occasionally hunt small birds and mammals.
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