Shrikes (Laniidae) are medium-sized songbirds with a long tail and a strong bill with a hooked tip, their strong legs are equipped with sharp claws. They typically have a facial mask - a black stripe that runs across the eyes or begins behind the eyes and extends toward the nape. A common feature of all shrikes is hunting from a perch. Most often we can observe them during long periods of motionless sitting on the top of their favourite shrub or tree, from which they have a good view of the surroundings and prey. When they spot prey, they mainly swoop down to the ground after it, less often catching prey in the air. They feed on insects, lizards, small rodents, and small birds.
Most shrikes are good fliers and migrate over long distances. They nest in dense shrubs. In Slovenia, four species of shrikes occur. The Great grey shrike winters here only, the other three species also breed, but all three are highly endangered.
