Gray-backed Shrike Lanius tephronotus Scientific name definitions

21–23 cm; 39–54 g. Rather small shrike with long tail. Nominate race has black lowermost forehead (just over base of bill) and facial mask through lores and eye to rear ear-coverts; crown to nape and most of upperparts dark grey, small rufous rump patch; upperwing black, most wing-coverts, secondaries and tertials fringed pale rufous to whitish, sometimes tiny white patch at base of primaries (often lacking); tail chestnut-brown, tipped buffish, outermost pair of rectrices light brown; throat and underparts white, breast side and flanks rufous, undertail brownish-grey; iris dark brown; bill black; legs dull black. Sexes very similar. Juvenile is browner above than adult, with less marked brown (not black) facial mask, horn-coloured lower mandible, has crown finely barred, upperparts and much of underparts heavily barred dark brownish. Race lahulensis is smaller and weaker-billed than nominate, also much paler, brownish-grey above , with rufous lower back and rump, white primary patch usually slightly larger and more visible, tail sometimes blackish (not brown).

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Editor's Note: Additional distribution information for this taxon can be found in the 'Subspecies' article above. In the future we will develop a range-wide distribution article.

Breeds at high elevations in forest clearings, plateau plains and mountain meadows dotted with small trees or fairly large bushes; to at least 4500 m in Nepal (becoming common from 2700 m upwards) and in S China (Yunnan). Post-breeding habitat in Sichuan (C China) either young open coniferous stands with forest clearings dominated by bushes, or pastures at higher elevations; at lower altitudes occurs in extensive agricultural valleys near human settlements. On non-breeding grounds in valleys and plains found in variety of habitats, including gardens and abandoned cultivation.

Most individuals winter at lower altitudes within breeding range. NW race lahulensis appears to be resident or to descend to foothills of Himalayas, whereas nominate race either undertakes altitudinal movements or migrates to non-breeding areas farther S. Non-breeders recorded from plains of S China, India S to West Bengal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, N Thailand, Laos and N Vietnam. Migrants arrive back on breeding territories by early May. Chinese breeders appear to be mainly altitudinal migrants within their breeding range.

Mostly insects, such as crickets and grasshoppers (Orthoptera), beetles (Coleoptera) and caterpillars; small vertebrates, such as lizards, frogs, birds and small rodents, may also be consumed. Hunts from open perch, taking prey mostly on ground; some insects hawked in air. Impales prey; keeps larder.

Little known. Territorial call described as harsh “zzert-zzert…”, “tchert-tchert…” or “tzert-tzert…”; repertoire includes also a repeated “ktcht-ktcht-ktcht” given at dusk or as alarm. Breeding song subdued and musical, with mimicry of other bird calls lasting several minutes. Voice seems to be similar to that of L. schach.

Season Jun–Jul in India, Apr–Jul/Aug (mainly May–Jun) in Tibet, and late May–early Jul in the mountains of S Tibet; possibly two broods in China but proof lacking. Territorial; residents maintain territory throughout year. Nest a bulky, rather untidy-looking cup, external diameter 13–20 cm and height c. 8.5 cm, made mainly from twigs and grass, placed c. 2 m up in small tree or bush, either isolated or in streamside thicket or row of trees. Clutch 4–6 eggs, pale greyish with brown or grey-brown blotches and spots, and with numerous lavender marks. In a study in S Tibet, clutch 3–5 eggs; incubation 15–18 days, by females only; fledging period 14–15 days; both sexes fed nestlings; in 45.8% of nesting attempts (n = 24) at least one young fledged (2 Lu, X., Wang, C. and Yu, T. (2010). Nesting ecology of the Grey-backed Shrike (Lanius tephronotus) in South Tibet. Wilson J. Orn.. 122(2): 395–398. Close ).

Not globally threatened. Not uncommon. Population trends not known, but apparently not at any immediate risk. High-elevation habitat considered more secure than lower-lying ones.