Page 112 - Atlas Of The World's Strangest Animals

112 ATLAS OF THE WORLD’S STRANGEST ANIMALS

Great Grey Shrike

Shrike may be appealing-looking birds, but they are famous for their less than

appealing eating habits.While most species of hunting birds devour their prey as
soon as they have caught it, great grey shrike are peculiar predators and store
their kills on a gruesome gibbet.

Key Facts ORDER Passeriformes / FAMILY Laniidae /
GENUS & SPECIES Lanius excubitor

Weight Up to 68g (2.4oz)
Length 22–26cm (8.6–10.2in)
Wingspan: 32cm (12.6in)

Sexual maturity 1 year
Breeding season March–May, but varies across range
Number of eggs 4–7
Incubation period 15–17 days

Breeding interval 1–2 broods a year
Typical diet Small mammals, birds and insects
Lifespan Up to 10 years in the wild
Juvenile
Young shrike are greyish brown
above,with distinct barring on
their under parts.This makes it
easier for them to blend with
their surroundings.

(c) 2011 Marshall Cavendish. All Rights Reserved.