Bird Guide

Brown Shrike vs Loggerhead Shrike

Brown Shrike (Lanius cristatus)

Brown Shrike

Lanius cristatus

Small32 gShrubland

This shrike is mainly brown on the upper parts and the tail is rounded. The black mask can be paler in winter and has a white brow over it. The underside is creamy with rufous flanks and belly. The wings are brown and lack any white "mirror" patches. Females tend to have fine scalloping on the underside and the mask is dark brown and not as well marked as in the male. The distinction is not easy to use in the field but has been tested with breeding birds in Japan where the female can be identified from the presence of a brood patch.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Sonogram of the Brown Shrike
Recorded by Ujjal Kishor De · Call · Ambedkar College, fatikroy, Unakoti, Tripura, India · CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: 胡正恆(Jackson Hu) · CC BY 4.0
Loggerhead Shrike (Lanius ludovicianus)

Loggerhead Shrike

Lanius ludovicianus

Small52 gShrubland

The loggerhead shrike is a medium-sized passerine. "Loggerhead" refers to the relatively large size of the head as compared to the rest of the body. The wing and tail length are about 3.82 in (9.70 cm) and 3.87 in (9.83 cm) long, respectively. It weighs on average 1.8 oz (50 g), with a range of 1.6–2.1 oz (45–60 g) for a healthy adult shrike. Measurement ranges Length: 7.9–9.1 in (20–23 cm) Weight: 1.2–1.8 oz (34–51 g) Wingspan: 11.0–12.6 in (27.9–32.0 cm) The adult plumage of the loggerhead shrike is grey above with a white to pale grey breast and black tarsi and feet. Voice: Their vocal range is broad and varied, and has been described as harsh and jarring. The shrike's notes include squeaky whistles, shrill trills, and guttural warbles. The trills sung by males during breeding season vary in rhythm and pitch. When alarmed, a shrike will produce a "schgra-a-a" shriek while spreading out its tail feathers.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Sonogram of the Loggerhead Shrike
Recorded by Diana Doyle · Duet, song · 3Canyons Ranch, United States · CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Jonathan Eisen · CC BY 4.0

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Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: Brown Shrike and Loggerhead Shrike.