Red-backed Shrike

Description:

The male of this beautiful small predatory bird is striking in its colours in early spring - red-brown mantle, very light colored, almost pale pink, belly and flanks, ash-grey head with that famous bandit mask. The female, (pic N° 6) is a bit more 'plain' in colours, and mainly brown in appearance.

Habitat:

Native eurasian bird and widespread through its range. Seen in montane grasslands & pastures, close to mixed and protected forest; feet of Jura mountain range.

Notes:

Nicknamed "butcher-bird" for its conspicuous "larder" making habit; as it impales its preys (larger insects or smaller reptiles) on thorns or barbed wire or other sharp objects...