Common name: Masked Shrike
Scientific name: Lanius nubicus
Family: Laniidae

Size:
Body length: 17–18 cm
Wingspan: 24–27 cm
Weight: 20–30 g

Identification:
A striking and elegant shrike with bold black, white, and chestnut coloration. It has a distinctive black mask across the eyes, contrasting with a white forehead and supercilium. The back is rich chestnut, while the wings are black with prominent white patches. The underparts are white to pale buff. The bill is hooked, typical of shrikes.

Habitat:
Open woodlands, scrublands, orchards, gardens, and forest edges with scattered trees and bushes.

Status in the UAE:
Rare passage migrant. Occasionally recorded during migration.

Status in Lebanon:
Common passage migrant and local breeder. Found in suitable habitats during breeding and migration periods.

Diet:
Carnivorous — feeds on insects, small birds, reptiles, and other small vertebrates.

Behavior:
Often seen perched prominently on branches or wires, scanning for prey. Hunts by swooping down to capture prey and may impale it on thorns or barbed wire. Solitary or in pairs. Known for its agile flight and sharp hunting skills.

Conservation status:
Least Concern (IUCN Red List)