129354 Great grey Shrike Lanius excubitor. Shrikes are well-marked, bold predators that have an allure far beyond what might be expected for birds of their size. Sightings are infrequent nowadays and consequently it is a red letter day for any birdwatcher if they see one. Two species occur reasonably regularly in the region. The Great grey Shrike Lanius excubitor (L 22-26cm), a winter visitor here in small numbers, is an altogether more imposing bird with fiercely predatory habits. It has a grey cap and back, white underparts, a broad black mask through the eye, and a white patch on the otherwise dark wings. Look for on expanses of heathland and the New Forest in Hampshire is the most reliable spot in Britain.
