Shrikes
Laniidae
Family Distribution
This map shows the combined distribution of all species in the Laniidae family.
Colour intensity indicates the number of species present in each region:
- Darker colours = More species
- Lighter colours = Fewer species
Notable Species
Attribute Champions
The Great Grey Shrike demonstrates remarkable agility in flight, capable of hovering like kestrels when hunting and performing aerial displays during courtship. Their ability to spot and capture small, swift prey from a distance indicates excellent manoeuvrability.
Whilst not exceptionally strong for their size, Great Grey Shrikes possess sufficient strength to capture and impale their prey on thorns or barbed wire. Their ability to handle a variety of prey, including small mammals and birds, suggests moderate strength.
These birds show considerable adaptability, inhabiting a range of open landscapes from sea level to 2,800 metres elevation. Their varied diet and ability to create food 'larders' demonstrate resourcefulness. However, their sensitivity to habitat changes slightly limits this score.
Great Grey Shrikes exhibit notable aggression in their predatory behaviour, earning the nickname 'butcher bird'. Their carnivorous diet and method of impaling prey indicate a relatively high level of aggression for a bird of this size.
The Woodchat Shrike's ability to undertake long-distance migrations from Europe to sub-Saharan Africa demonstrates remarkable endurance. Additionally, their 'sit-and-wait' hunting strategy requires sustained periods of alertness, further indicating high endurance levels.
