Bay-backed Shrikes
The Bay-backed Shrikes, Lanius vittatus, is a member of the bird family Laniidae, the shrikes.
Distribution / Range
It is a widespread resident breeder in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India, and has recently been recorded from Sri Lanka. It nests in bushes in scrubby areas and cultivation, laying 3-5 eggs.
Description
It is a smallish shrike at 17cm, maroon-brown above with a pale rump and long black tail with white edges. The underparts are white but with buff flanks. The crown and nape (back of the neck) are grey, with a typical shrike black bandit mask through the eye. There is a small white wing patch, and the bill and legs are dark grey.
Males and females look alike, but young birds are washed-out versions of the adults.
Diet / Feeding
Bay-backed Shrike has a characteristic upright “shrike” attitude perched on a bush, from which it sallies after lizards, large insects, small birds, and rodents.
Prey may be impaled upon a sharp point, such as a thorn. Thus secured they can be ripped with the strong hooked bill, but their feet are not suited for tearing.
