The Brown Shrike (Lanius cristatus), a member of the Laniidae family, is a migratory bird species widely distributed across Asia. It breeds in North and East China, Korea, South Japan (Kyushu), and has been recently observed in Eastern Mongolia. During the non-breeding season, it migrates southward to Southeast Asia, particularly coastal Southeast China, Taiwan, the Philippines, Northern Borneo, and Northern Sulawesi.
Brown Shrikes inhabit open areas with scattered trees and shrubs. These include scrublands, forest edges, gardens, parks, and agricultural fields. During breeding season, they are mostly found breeding in sea level to low mountain forests. Meanwhile, during non-breeding season, brown shrikes are most commonly found in open lowlands, forest margins, clearings, grassy hillsides, and small trees.
Their diet primarily consists lizards insects and small birds. They reproduce by laying eggs (oviparous) and are monogamous in nature.
Despite their adaptability, the brown shrikes faces significant threats due to habitat loss, pesticides, predation and climate change. Conservation efforts are crucial to ensuring the survival of this unique and ecologically important species.
By: MMCaña, AALimpiada, JBBalatibat 2025