Shrikes of the World (Helm Identification Guides)

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The identification of minor is not straightforward though it shows on average more well-streaked breast-sides and flanks than comminutus. However, these features are subject to variation. Biometrics are useful, minor being larger and longer-winged than comminutus. The helmetshrikes and bushshrikes were formerly included in Laniidae, but they are now known to be not particularly closely related to true shrikes. Golawski, A.; Mroz, E.; Golawska, S. (2020). "The function of food storing in shrikes: the importance of larders for the condition of females and during inclement weather". The European Zoological Journal. 87 (1): 282–293. doi: 10.1080/24750263.2020.1769208. ISSN 2475-0263.

Shrikes: A Guide to the Shrikes of the World - Lefranc Shrikes: A Guide to the Shrikes of the World - Lefranc

Nominate alba is common in Britain and guttata is also on the British List. The latter is more prone to wandering than alba and has a long history of reaching this country. BBRC assessed records of guttata from 2006 onwards, since when more than ten have been accepted and published. These records included two females found breeding with male alba– in Norfolk in 2008 and Cheshire & Wirral in 2014 (Binney & Coffey 2017). Claims of either nominate columbarius or pallidus should include detailed notes and photographs. A ringing recovery would of course provide more solid evidence. ( updated April 2020 AMS). The identification of ‘classic’ homeyeri rests largely on the amount of white in the secondaries and spread tail but is hampered by the significant individual, age and sex-related and geographical variation both within this subspecies and within excubitor. Two broad plumage types of the latter are recognised – a darker morph with white restricted to the primaries (most prevalent in the northern part of the range and formerly given the name ‘ melanopterus’) and a paler morph with white extending onto the secondaries (most prevalent in France and Germany and forrmerly given the name ‘ galliae’). This latter type may approach homeyeri in appearance, as, might excubitor/ homeyeri intergrades. Twenty-six years ago, author Norbert Lefranc and illustrator Tim Worfolk produced a labour of love with the first edition of Shrikes of the World, which became the definitive work for this multifaceted, complicated group of birds. With a new series of stunningly detailed plates showing the full range of variation within species, and text accounts that incorporate recent advances in genetic work, the wait for the second edition has surely been worth it. Claims of pinetorum should be accompanied by biometrics. Details of a ringed bird would of course provide additional evidence. ( updated Dec 2017 AMS).

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The texts for each species include an introduction, detailed subsections on identification (including field identification, voice and a fuller description), geographic variation, moult and biometrics, as well as population movements and vagrancy. Each species is accompanied by a series of photos depicting plumage variation and at least one range map.

Owls to Tits (incl. Falcons) - British Birds Rarities Committee Owls to Tits (incl. Falcons) - British Birds Rarities Committee

Shrikes ( / ʃ r aɪ k/) are passerine birds of the family Laniidae. The family is composed of 34 species in two genera.Claims of badius are welcomed if accompanied by detailed notes and preferably photographs. Claims of first-year niloticus should be accompanied by photographs. Claims of adult niloticus are also welcomed but only trapped, measured and photographed birds are likely to gain acceptance. For any of these subspecies a ringing recovery would of course provide additional evidence. ( updated Oct 2018 AMS). The plates in Shrikes of the World are a joy to behold and feel like a real celebration of this diverse and attractive family. From the fiscals of sub-Saharan Africa to the Northern Shrikes of high-latitude Siberia and North America, the quality of illustrations is superb throughout. The variations of spread wings and tails in the 'grey shrike' taxa will surely hold plenty of interest for European birders. Vireonidae, vireos, including Cyclarhis peppershrikes, Vireolanius shrike-vireos and Pteruthius shrike-babblers

Shrike - Wikipedia

Claims of pallidirostris are welcomed if accompanied by detailed notes. Claims of homeyeri would require both detailed notes and photographs (including of the spread wing and tail) but only ‘classic’ individuals are likely to prove acceptable. A ringing recovery would of course provide additional evidence (updated July 2019 AMS). And although the Northern Shrike is doing well for now, its Arctic range is vulnerable to climate change, and this species could lose more than three-quarters of its habitat if global temperatures rise by 1.5°C.

A Guide to the Shrikes of the World

The subspecies homeyeri (sometimes known as ‘Steppe Shrike’) breeds from south-east Europe through the Ural mountains into western Siberia. It is not on the British List but it has occurred in Sweden, Germany and Finland. Birds showing some homeyeri characters have been noted in Yorkshire and Norfolk ( http://birdingfrontiers.com/2010/12/15/sheffields-steppe-shrike-update/, Nash 2012). However, neither of these individuals showed the full suite of characters.