Red-backed Shrike

Least Concern

Lanius collurio

A master of impalement, this fierce songbird skewers its prey on thorns and barbed wire across Europe and Asia.

Visual Identification

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.

Size

Length

16cm to 18cm

Wingspan

24cm to 27cm

Weight

25g to 36g

Colours

Primary Colour

Grey Brown Red

Secondary Colour

Black White

Beak Colour

Black

Leg Colour

Black

Habitat and Distribution

Habitats

Woodland

Garden

Wetland

Coastal

Urban

Farmland

Grassland

Desert

Tundra

Rainforest

Mountain

Savanna

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.

Elevation Range

Up to 3,200 meters

Climate zones

Temperate, Subtropical

Distribution Map

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Resident
Breeding
Passage
Vagrant

Distribution by Region

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Behaviour and Ecology

Bird Attributes

Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.

Agility 85
Strength 40
Adaptability 75
Aggressiveness 70
Endurance 65

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.

Vocalisation

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.

Lifespan

Typical Lifespan Range 3 - 5 years
Max Recorded Lifespan 10 years [1]
0
3
6
9
12

years

The Red-backed Shrike typically lives for 3 to 5 years, with a maximum recorded lifespan of 10 years.

Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.

Conservation and Status

Global Conservation Status

Least Concern [2]

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.

Population Data

Global Population Estimate

24,800,000 - 47,700,000 mature individuals [3]

Global Population Trend

Decreasing[4]

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

Additional Information

Quick Facts

Other names:

Butcher bird

Family:

Laniidae

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.

Did You Know?

  1. Red-backed Shrikes can mimic the calls of other bird species in their songs.
  2. They have a 'larder' behaviour, impaling prey on thorns for later consumption.
  3. Despite their small size, they occasionally hunt small birds and mammals.

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FAQs

Is a Red-backed Shrike a bird of prey?

Red-backed shrikes are not birds of prey, in the same sense as kestrels, hawks or eagles but they are active predators who hunt and kill prey to eat, including small mammals, reptiles and other birds. They belong to a family of passerine birds called shrikes.

References

  1. 2 3

    website: BirdLife International. 2017. Lanius collurio (amended version of 2016 assessment). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2017: e.T22705001A110988087.

    View source
  2. 4

    report, 2015: EBCC

  3. 1

    website, 2010: Fransson et al., EURING list of longevity records for European birds

    View source