Red backed shrike

Introduction: Red-backed shrikes (Lanius collurio) are common birds that winter in the dry savannahs of the region in semi-arid savannah woodland habitats and bushes in open grassland, although their preferred habitat is in the Kalahari.

Distribution: Mainly central and northern regions of the country including Etosha National Park, Zambezi Region (formerly the Caprivi Strip), Kaudom Game Park, Tsumkwe.

Diet: Sit and wait technique for prey such as ants, spiders and occasionally berries.

Description: Distinctive black ear coverts and lores which form a mask. Rufous-brown back, with grey rump and upper tail coverts. Dark brown wings. Collurio is derived from a Greek interpretation meaning ' a thrush-like bird'.

Breeding: Extralimital.

Size: 18cm.

Weight: 29g.