The sinister Long-tailed Shrike

The smallish size (total length of 9-1/2", much of it accounted by the long tail) of the Lanius schach is deceiving - it's one of the most fearsome and aggressive predators I've seen.

Its diet is mostly insects and small vertebrates, hawking these from a perch. But sometimes, it also attacks and eats other birds not much smaller than itself.

Here's a documentary photo taken at Candaba wetlands (Philippines) way back when I witnessed it attacking, killing and flying off with a Eurasian Tree Sparrow (5-1/4" total length). The sight of this hunter trying to lift off with a huge load (its lunch) is like watching a heavy-lift chopper transporting a tank tethered under the aircraft's belly - quite spectacular.

300D + Bigma, 500 mm, f/7.1, 1/800 sec, ISO 400, hand held

Great shots and an interesting little bird. I bet he makes friends real quick

shrikes always make me think nature slipped up a raptors head on a starling size bird ? some of the food they take could not possibly fit in their gut

Great shots of an interesting subject. Thanks for the info too, I didn't know these birds were so brutal!

Mother nature can be very cruel and you sure did an excellent job proving that fact. As always, your shots are outstanding. Man, I would love to play with that lens for awhile.

Escellent shots with the first one very clearly demonstrating this bird's capacity as a hunter. The 3rd shot is my favourite....excellent in every way.

Amazing shots Romy. The bird's body seems very small considering the prey it attacked.

Very nice shots of the shrike. It's interesting to see the asian cousin in the shrike family.

What a cool little bird. Looks so nice and sweet, yet has got a vicious side to it. First shot is good behaviour photograph, while the other two are simply beautiful.

Great captures Romy, again!!

Awesome , what a story Romy , thank you for the info.

Outstanding shots, as usual, and interesting info on the shrike.