Bay-Backed Shrike is an Indian bird that bears a scientific name "Lanius vittatus". This bird is a member of the bird family Laniidae, the shrikes, resident in South Asia.
Structure of Bay-Backed Shrike
Bay-Backed Shrike is smallish shrike at 17 cm, maroon-brown above with a pale rump and long black tail with white edges. The underparts are white, but with buff flanks. The crown and nape are grey, with a typical shrike black bandit mask through the eye. There is a small white wing patch, and the bill and legs are dark grey.
Sexes of Bay-Backed Shrike
The sexes of Bay-Backed Shrike are similar, but young birds are washed-out versions of the adults.
Behaviour of Bay-Backed Shrike
Bay-Backed Shrike has a characteristic upright "shrike" attitude perched on a bush, from which it sallies after lizards, large insects, small birds and rodents.
Feeding of Bay-Backed Shrike
The prey may be impaled upon a sharp point, such as a thorn. Thus secured they can be ripped with the strong hooked bill, but its feet are not suited for tearing. Bay-backed shrike eats mainly insects, worms and snakes.
Nests of Bay-Backed Shrike
Bay-Backed Shrike is a widespread resident breeder in Afghanistan, Pakistan and India, and has recently been recorded from Sri Lanka. It nests in bushes in scrubby areas and cultivation, laying 3-5 eggs.
