Lanius excubitor Linnaeus, 1758 · strakoš veľký · Great Grey Shrike

Distribution

In its current taxonomic treatment it occurs chiefly in northern and temperate Europe and Asia. In Slovakia it regularly breeds, especially in more northerly and higher open landscapes, but is much more widespread outside nesting. Northern arrivals increase numbers in autumn and winter birds also occupy lowlands. A winter territory is therefore not automatically a summer breeding site.

Habitat

It favours open landscapes with scattered scrub and trees, pastures, meadows, open wet ground and field margins. Elevated lookouts are important. Winter birds are conspicuous on isolated bush tops or roadside wires.

Breeding

The nest of stems, twigs and fine lining is hidden in a shrub or tree. A typical clutch contains 4–7 eggs. The female incubates and both parents supply animal food to the chicks. Local nesting occupies only part of its year-round Slovak distribution.

Food

It hunts small rodents, birds and larger insects from lookout perches, dropping to the ground or occasionally hovering.

Interesting fact

Prey may be impaled on thorns or wedged in branches. These places provide both food stores and support while larger items are torn apart: this predatory hunter is nevertheless a songbird.

Sources: Slovak Wikipedia · English Wikipedia · BTO BirdFacts