129356 Red-backed Shrike Lanius collurio - Female. 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 Red-backed Shrike Lanius collurio (L 16-18cm) was once a locally common summer visitor but sadly now is extinct as a breeding species. However, it does occur in small numbers as a passage migrant in spring and autumn, mainly in coastal scrub. Adult males have a reddish brown back, blue-grey cap and nape (with a dark band through the eye), and pink-flushed pale underparts. Adult females are similar but with muted colours while juveniles are barred brown.
