Ceylon Bird Club News,On the 2nd of February 2013, a Bay-backed Shrike Lanius vittatus was reported by member Kithsiri Gunawardena from ‘Mau Ara” road at Uda Walawa National Park. He was accompanied by K G Saman Kumara of the Department of Wildlife Conservation DWC.
This bird had been first observed ion the park by K G Lionel Gunatilleka of DWC but was identified as a Rufous-rumped Shrike.
It 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.[2] 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 are similar, but young birds are washed-out versions of the adults
Habits and habitatBay-backed Shrike has a characteristic upright "shrike" attitude perched on a bush, from which it sallies after lizards, large insects, small birds and rodents.
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.
It 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
Referance and Pic
WikiPidia,
