Long-tailed shrike in Jaipur

The Long-tailed Shrike has a characteristic upright "shrike" attitude when perched on a bush, from which it glides down at an angle to take lizards, large insects, small birds androdents. They maintain feeding territories and are usually found single or in pairs that are well spaced out. 

The usual calls are harsh grating and scolding calls, likened to the squealing of a frog caught by a snake. They are capable of vocal mimicry and include the calls of many species including lapwings, cuckoos, puppies and squirrels in their song. This singing ability makes it a popular pet in parts of southeast Asia.

I spotted this bird during a bird-watching trek in a forest near Jaipur. While we were resting near a water pool, this bird perched on the branch right above where I was sitting. The orangish color was unique, and the fellow bird-watchers told me that it was a shrike!


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