Iberian Grey Shrike
Lanius meridionalis
The Iberian Grey Shrike (Lanius meridionalis) is a uncommon shrik found in 9 countries, weighing about 60 g. The Iberian grey shrike is a species of shrike endemic to southwestern Europe.
About the Iberian Grey Shrike
The Iberian grey shrike is a species of shrike endemic to southwestern Europe. It is closely related to the great grey shrike, Lanius excubitor, and its plumage is generally similar to it apart from the differences noted below. The Iberian was previously considered conspecific with the great grey; where they co-occur, they do not interbreed and are separated by choice of habitat.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
The Iberian grey shrike is similar in size to the great grey shrikes found in northern Europe but is may have a slightly larger head, stronger bill and thinner tail. The plumage of the Iberian grey shrike is much darker grey above, especially on the crown, nape and mantle and there is a greyish-pink hue to the breast and belly. The black mask is wider and there is a clearer white supercilium. There is a moderately large white patch on the primaries but no white on the secondaries. Juveniles are less distinctive.
Where it lives
When to see it
The Iberian Grey Shrike can be seen all year round, with peak activity in January. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify an Iberian Grey Shrike?
- The Iberian grey shrike is similar in size to the great grey shrikes found in northern Europe but is may have a slightly larger head, stronger bill and thinner tail. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is an Iberian Grey Shrike?
- The Iberian Grey Shrike is a medium sized bird weighing about 60 g.
- Where can you see an Iberian Grey Shrike?
- The Iberian Grey Shrike occurs in 9 countries, including Spain, Portugal, France, Senegal and Nigeria.
- What birds look similar to an Iberian Grey Shrike?
- The Iberian Grey Shrike is most easily confused with the Woodchat Shrike, the Bay-backed Shrike and the Lesser Grey Shrike.
- Is the Iberian Grey Shrike endangered?
- The Iberian Grey Shrike is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Iberian Grey Shrike for real
BeakBrain drills you on photos and calls until you can greet this bird by name in the field. Free to play, on any device.
Play BeakBrainEvery photo and recording on this page is credited to its author under the licence shown. Spotted a problem with this page, or have a better photo? Contribute.