Northern Shrike

Lanius excubitor

(L. e. excubitor, L. e. homeyeri)

Armenian Name:	Մոխրագույն շամփրուկ

See Plate 42 for Northern Shrike and other similar species

Resident Status:	Winter visitor
Abundance:	Rare
Length:	24-25 cm, Wing Span:30-34 cm
Distribution Map:	Map 227.
Description:	Black, white, and gray with gray forehead, black mask, long rounded tail, and short primary extension.
Similar Species:	Differs from Lesser Grey Shrike by larger size, gray forehead, white wing patch extending onto secondaries, longer tail and bill, and shorter primary extension.
Behavior:	Fast undulating flight. Often perches higher than other shrikes.
Habitat:	Semidesert, mountain steppe, shrubby grassland, woodland edges.
Food:	Invertebrates, rodents, small birds.