Shrikes along Struma river valley

Posted by Rossen


Shrikes are passerine birds of the family Laniidae.They are medium-sized birds, with grey, brown, red or black and white plumage. Their beaks are hooked, like that of a bird of prey, reflecting their predatory nature, and their calls are strident.Shrikes breeds in open cultivated country, preferably with orchard trees and some bare or sandy ground.The Shrikes on the Struma river valley are represented by five species: Woodchat Shrike (Lanius senator), Lesser Grey Shrike (Lanius minor) and Red-backed Shrike (Lanius collurio) which is widespread and Masked Shrike ( Lanius nubicus) with limited distribution south of Kresna gorge. In winter is meeting and one northern migrant - The Great Grey Shrike (Lanius excubitor) rare bird listed in the Red Book of Bulgaria.

Red-backed Shrike (Lanius collurio)