Birds A-Z

Masked Shrike

Lanius nubicus
MASKED SHRIKE

Listen:

Fernand Deroussen, Xeno-canto

Gallery:

Key information: The Masked Shrike comes to Cyprus in the spring to nest. Its nest is shaped like a cup, made out of thin twigs, found in a tree or bush. It has a distinctive black eye stripe that looks like a mask. The female looks similar to the male, but it is duller-coloured. Before it eats its prey, it impales it on a thorny bush. It has a distinctive scratchy song.

Length: 17 – 18,5 cm

Habitat: Scrub and bushes, mountains and forests

When they can be seen: Spring, summer, autumn

What they eat: Invertebrates, seeds

In Cyprus: Can be seen in plains, hills and mountains, but especially in forested areas

Status: Migrant breeder, passage migrant

Illustration by Paschalis Dougalis

en_GBEnglish
Scroll to Top