Key information
The great grey shrike is the largest of the European shrikes. Small numbers come to the UK in autumn and spend the winter here. They are very territorial so you're unlikely to see more than one at once. Shrikes are often 'mobbed' by other birds which recognise them as dangerous predators. Keep an eye out for a medium-sized, long-tailed bird sitting at the top of a tree. The black mask and grey plumage are distinctive.
What they eat:
Beetles and other insects, small mammals and birds. Food is often stored in a 'larder' by impaling it on a thorn!
Population:
- UK wintering:
- 62 birds
- UK passage:
- 125 birds
Identifying features:
Great grey shrike
