Iberian grey shrike

The Iberian grey shrike (Lanius meridionalis) is a member of the shrike family. It is closely related to the great grey shrike, Lanius excubitor, and its plumage is generally similar to the great grey shrike apart from the differences noted below. The Iberian was previously considered conspecific with the great grey; where they co-occur, they do not interbreed and are separated by choice of habitat.

The Iberian grey shrike is similar in size to the great grey shrikes found in northern Europe but is may have a slightly larger head, stronger bill and thinner tail. The plumage of the Iberian grey shrike is much darker grey above, especially on the crown, nape and mantle and there is a greyish-pink hue to the breast and belly. The black mask is wider and there is a clearer white supercilium. There is a moderately large white patch on the primaries but no white on the secondaries. Juveniles are less distinctive.