143716 Woodchat Shrike Lanius senator. L 17-19cm. A bulky and well-marked bird. The Woodchat Shrike often perches on barbed-wire fences as well as low bushes, using these as lookouts. The sexes are separable with care. Adult Male has a chestnut cap and nape, a broad black mask running from the forecrown through the eye, and white underparts that are flushed faintly with peachy-buff on the flanks and breast. Note also the striking white patch on the scapulars, the white patch at the base of the primaries and the buffish white patch at the base of the bill. In flight, the pale rump and white-margined black tail are obvious. Adult Female is similar, but the black and chestnut elements of the plumage are less intense, the white patch at the base of the bill is more extensive and there is faint barring on the underparts. Juvenile has scaly grey-brown upperparts and paler underparts with faint vermiculations; note also the pale patch on the scapulars. Voice - utters a harsh, trilling call when agitated. Habitat and Status - the Woodchat Shrike is a scarce visitor to the region, with most records at migration times; 15 or 20 are recorded in a good year. In spring, adult birds appear here, while in late summer and autumn, dispersing juvenile birds sometimes turn up in coastal areas. Visiting Woodchat Shrikes favour areas of coastal scrub.
