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Birds and Butterflies of Rhodes
RODOPTERA
Lanius minor
Lesser grey shrike (male). Greek: σταχτοκεφαλάς (αρσενικός). Malona, April 2022.
Passage migrant, uncommon. Length 19-21 cm, wingspan 32-34 cm. Sexes similar, female with less black on head. Open scrub areas, farmland. Hunts from perches on dry branches, fences, power lines. Takes insects on ground and in air. Impales prey on thorns, twigs. Low undulating flight with brief glides. Scratchy calls. Parakeet-like chirping song often with phrases of mimicry.
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