Woodchat Shrike

The Woodchat Shrike is a noticeable medium-sized bird known for its rich chestnut-coloured head and neck, bold black mask, and white underside with clear white patches on the shoulders that can be seen when it flies. The dark upper parts stand out sharply against the reddish-brown cap, making it easy to recognise among European shrikes. It visits southern Europe and the Mediterranean in summer. It is a rare visitor to Britain during migration, most often seen in spring along the southern and eastern coasts. Sometimes, a few birds travel further north than usual. This bird prefers open countryside with scattered trees and bushes, especially warm, dry areas like orchards, olive groves, and Mediterranean scrub. Like other shrikes, it hunts from exposed perches, feeding on large insects, small lizards, and sometimes small birds. It has a habit of sticking its prey on thorns.