Woodchat Shrike

Lanius senator

(L. s. niloticus )

Armenian Name:	Կարմրակատար շամփրուկ

See Plate 42 for Woodchat Shrike and other similar species

Resident Status:	Breeding bird
Abundance:	Uncommon
Length:	18 cm, Wing Span:26-28 cm
Distribution Map:	Map 228.
Description:	Boldly patterned shrike with white patches on scapulars and base of primaries.
Adult:	Male: black forehead and mask, white upper lores, brown-red from crown to upper mantle, white rump and underparts. Female: duller overall with more white on face.
Juvenile:	Pale gray upperparts with brown tint, whitish scapular and wing patches, and black-brown scalloping; off-white below with dark crescents.
Similar Species:	Juvenile differs from juvenile Red-backed Shrike by paler and grayer plumage, and whitish scapular patch.
Behavior:	Perches lower in shrubs and trees than other shrikes. Fast level flight.
Habitat:	Semidesert; arid mountain steppe.
Food:	Invertebrates; small vertebrates.
Nest:	Cup of twigs in bush or lone tree.
Eggs:	23 mm, 5-7, olive-green, brown spots.