Common name: Bay-backed Shrike
Scientific name: Lanius vittatus
Family: Laniidae

Size:
Body length: 17–20 cm
Wingspan: 25–30 cm
Weight: 25–35 g

Identification:
A small to medium-sized shrike with a striking combination of colors. The upperparts are rich chestnut-brown, contrasting with a pale underbelly. A bold black mask runs through the eyes, bordered above by a pale supercilium. The wings are darker with pale markings, and the tail is relatively long with white edges. The bill is strong and slightly hooked, typical of shrikes. Its upright posture and habit of perching in exposed locations make it easy to spot.

Habitat:
Dry open habitats including scrublands, thorny bushes, agricultural areas, and open woodlands. Prefers semi-arid environments with scattered vegetation and clear vantage points for hunting.

Status in the UAE:
Vagrant and very rare. Occasionally recorded during migration seasons, with only a few confirmed sightings across the country.

Diet:
Carnivorous — feeds on insects, small reptiles, small birds, and occasionally rodents. Known to impale prey on thorns or barbed wire as a food storage strategy.

Behavior:
A solitary and territorial species. Often seen perched on exposed branches, wires, or shrubs, scanning for prey. Exhibits typical shrike behavior of capturing prey and sometimes storing it. Flight is direct and purposeful, with short sallies to catch prey.

Conservation status:
Least Concern (IUCN Red List)