Turkestan Shrike

Description:

The Turkestan Shrike belongs to the true shrike genus Lanius (derived from the word 'butcher' in latin - after their habit of pinning prey on thorns and barbwire). It is part of one of two races (sometimes considered separate species) of the Isabelline Shrike, and can be recognised by the rufous tail, and brown back and forehead. Like many other shrike species the Turkestan has a black eyemask running from the ear to the beak.

Habitat:

Spotted at a date palm on the south-west coast of Qatar, near the Saudi border.