SLUG: Who’s that Bird
What is global might not be local! This statement is extremely true when it comes to birds and migration patterns. Take for example the very elegant Long-tailed Shrike. In many books of Ornithology and field guides of birds, it is mentioned that the Long-tailed Shrike breeds in peninsular India, but locally in Goa we know that the Long-tailed Shrike is a winter visitor and term it as a local migrant. This bird is often called as the Skewer Bird or the Butcher Bird due to its unique habit of skewering its prey on a thorny bush for storage purpose after eating only the brains of its prey and hence justifying its name. Local names in many languages of this bird, literally translates to “executioner”.
The Long-tailed Shrike is a medium sized stocky build bird with a large head, sharp hooked bill and a long tail. The sub-species that are seen in Goa have a grey head, rufous-brown back and black wing borders. Another very striking feature to note about this bird is the broad black eye-band akin to the mask of Zorro!
The Long-tailed Shrike is usually found in open wooded, well watered cultivation, gardens, orchards, roadside bushes etc. They are usually very bold birds and are highly territorial. They have a fixed perch from where they keep a very vigilant watch for anything that moves and can be overpowered to be eaten. They attack any invaders in their territory fiercely and drive them out. When they spot a potential prey, they silently glide down at an angle such that the prey can’t see them coming and seize the prey by it sharp bill. They overpower larger prey, by pouncing on them and striking them repeatedly on their head with its beak. Once in a while, they will also catch insects by launching short sorties from their perch. Their diet ranges from small insects to House Sparrows.
The Long-tailed Shrike is very vocal all times of the year. In winter it produces a harsh loud and angry sounding “traaaoook- traaaoook” call which it utters when perched in the open. It is also a very versatile mimic and has been noted to mimic often the Black Kite, Red-vented Bulbul, Jungle Babbler, Red-wattled Lapwing, etc.
In Goa, this species is very commonly seen in the winters in any open habitat. Common places where one can see them are besides fields perched on a dry bush. This in particular is a very good time for them when the crops have just been harvested and all insects like grasshoppers and crickets have been flushed. It is not uncommon to find 3 to 4 individuals in a stretch near a field in this season. Also do look out for a thorny bush full of dead lizards and rats hanging from them.
The Long-tailed Shrike is classified as Least Concerned in terms of Conservation Prioritization by International Union for Conservation of Nature.
Picture Credit: Pronoy Baidya
