Lanius senator is a widespread summer visitor to much of southern and central Europe, which constitutes >50% of its global breeding range. Its European breeding population is large (>480,000 pairs), but underwent a large decline between 1970-1990. Although some populations-notably in south-east Europe-were stable or increased during 1990-2000, the species continued to decline across most of its European range, including in its Spanish stronghold, and underwent a moderate decline (>10%) overall.

Breeds in west Palerctic in middle and lower middle latitudes mainly in Mediterranean climatic zone, but extending in west into temperate zone, and in S-E to edge of steppe and desert. On plain and lower slopes of large open valleys and requiring fairly tall trees, these must be well spaced in open woodland, garden, or meadows, with plenty of room between lower branches and ground, which should either be bare or carry only very low plant cover. Also occupies roadside trees, woodland margins near cultivation, and parks or hedges with large thorny bushes.

Breeding starts May to mid July in Germany, mid May to early July in France, late April-May in Spain, early May to late June in Greece, late April to late May in Algeria and late March to mid June in Israel. Nest site always in trees, especially fruit trees and olive in fork of trunk. Nest is a strong cup of leafy plant material and roots lined with wool, hair, fine roots, cobwebs, moss, and lichen. 5-6 eggs are laid, incubation lasts 14-15 days performed by female, rarely also by male.

Mainly insects and other invertebrates, principally beetles, occasionally small vertebrates. Perches on exposed look-out from which drops or glides down onto ground prey or makes sallying flights after flying insects.

This species has a large range, with an estimated global Extent of Occurrence of 1,000,000-10,000,000 km². It has a large global population, including an estimated 960,000-2,400,000 individuals in Europe (BirdLife International in prep.). Global population trends have not been quantified, but the species is not believed to approach the thresholds for the population decline criterion of the IUCN Red List (i.e. declining more than 30% in ten years or three generations). For these reasons, the species is evaluated as Least Concern.

Migratory, wintering in sub-Saharan Africa north of Equator, and in small numbers (perhaps regular) in southern Arabia. Autumn movement probably broad-front in south to south-west direction; recorded in smaller numbers than in spring, presumably due chiefly to unbroken flights. Spring movement conspicuous throughout North Africa and Mediterranean, slower progression probably contributing to impression of seasonal difference in numbers. Leaves European breeding grounds in second half of August or beginning of September (July to early October), adults before juveniles. Arrives in winter quarters August-October, mainly September. Departure from winter quarters protracted, February-May. Passage through Mediterranean area late March to early June, with main arrival on northern breeding grounds around mid-May. Annual vagrant to Britain and Ireland, with average c. 14 birds (4-24) per year; peak period late May or early June and late August or early September. Annual vagrant in Netherlands, especially May-June with some August-September.

article number 1 Title
Reproductive success of the Woodchat Shrike (Lanius senator) in Western Bulgaria
Author(s): B. P. Nikolov
Abstract: The Woodchat Shrike (Lanius senator) is a passerine species, which is considered to have un- dergone a large decline throughout its breeding range in Europe. Its distribution has retracted towards the..[more]..
Source: Ornis Fennica 82:73-80. 2005
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