Red-backed shrike (Lanius collurio)

Description and ecology

Conservation status: minor concern (Europe and Wallonia), vulnerable (Luxembourg).

The Red-backed Shrike (Lanius collurio) is an approximately 18 cm tall bird of the Laniidae family with pronounced sexual dimorphism. The plumage of the males is more pronounced. Their crowns and napes are grey and their reddish-brown coats are contrasted by the pinkish-cream colour of their throats and chests. Females are duller and do not have as pronounced a black band as the males. In addition, their flanks are not uniform but rather lightly spotted. Juveniles resemble females.
As a true "hunter-guard", the species frequents extensive agricultural areas, close to woody plants (hedges, trees) and/or moorland. After experiencing a severe decline, this shrike has been making positive progress since the 1980s.

As part of the project, the restoration of extensive open environments accompanied by thorny hedgerows 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 shrikes.