Grey Shrike (Lanius excubitor)

Description and ecology

Conservation status: minor concern (Europe), endangered (Wallonia), critically endangered (Luxembourg).

The Grey Shrike (Lanius excubitor) is an approximately 25 cm tall bird of the Laniidae family with plumage in discreet shades of brown, bluish-grey, sporting a black mask as well as a robust beak hooked at the tip.
During the nesting season, this bird occupies open areas with low or sparse vegetation and a few trees and bushes. At temperate latitudes, it frequents extensive meadows and pastures, near woody plants (hedges, trees), moors and forest clearings. These environments are ideal for hunting. Perched atop woody plants, the Loggerhead Shrike scans the open landscape for insects and other small prey. And, like other species in the same family, it impales its supernumerary harvests on thorny hedges or barbed wire to build up its larder in preparation for the days of famine.
 Its decline is mainly due to the degradation of its habitat through the intensification of farming practices and the reforestation of moorland.

As part of the project, the restoration of extensive open environments accompanied by thorny hedges and isolated trees is essential for the species' long-term survival. As part of the LIFE ArdennEislek project, it is planned to plant 20 km of hedgerows and 300 isolated trees, with equal contributions from Wallonia and Luxembourg. These restorations will therefore benefit the Shrikes.