Birds of summer, pt. I / by Arne Bischoff

The Red-backed shrike

Really close to my home there is a natural reserve where there’s an abundance of Red-backed shrike (Lanius collurio). This bird breeds in central Germany and is present only from May to September, although climate crisis somewhat prolonged its stay. It hibernates in tropical parts of the African continent. The Red-backed shrike has become somewhat famous for its behaviour of skewering its prey on thorny bushes.

A male Red-backed shrike in its natural habitat.

A male Red-backed shrike in gorgeous evening light.

A female Red-backed shrike in its natural habitat.

The sillhouette of a male Red-backed shrike in back light.