MigrantWatch
MigrantWatch archive (2007–2015)
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Brown Shrike

Scientific name

Lanius cristatus

Size

About that of a bulbul.

Distinguishing characteristics

The Rufous Shrike (Lanius phoenicuroides) that is found in parts of western India looks similar but is smaller has a paler and greyer mantle, less buffy underparts and a brighter rufous tail. The Isabelline Shrike (Lanius isabellinus) is also similar-looking but has an obvious white wing patch which the Brown lacks. Juvenile has ‘scalloping’ on the breast. The call is distinctive.

Winter distribution

Winter visitor to most of the Subcontinent barring the Himalayas and the western deserts.

Call audio

click to download/play the call
Design: Pavithra Sankaran. MigrantWatch is a project of the Citizen Science Programme of NCBS in association with Indian Birds Journal