Wernham, C., Toms, M., Marchant, J., Clark, J., Siriwardena, G. & Baillie, S. (eds). 2002. The Migration Atlas: Movements of the Birds of Britain and Ireland. T. & A. D. Poyser, London. Identification of nominate columbarius can be straightforward by reference to the tail pattern. The subspecies pallidus is strikingly pale and finely marked. As currently constituted the family contains 34 species in four genera. It includes the genus Eurocephalus with the two white-crowned shrikes. [5] A molecular phylogenetic study published in 2023 found that the white-crowned shrikes were more closely related to the crows in the family Corvidae than they are to the Laniidae and authors proposed that the genus Eurocephalus should be moved to its own family Eurocephalidae. The cladogram below is based on these results: [6]

Shrikes of the World by Norbert Lefranc, Tim Worfolk Shrikes of the World by Norbert Lefranc, Tim Worfolk

McCullough, J.M.; Hruska, J.P.; Oliveros, C.H.; Moyle, R.G.; Andersen, M.J. (2023). "Ultraconserved elements support the elevation of a new avian family, Eurocephalidae, the white-crowned shrikes". Ornithology. 140 (3): ukad025. doi: 10.1093/ornithology/ukad025. Common Swift comprises two subspecies – nominate apus across the Western Palearctic and northern Russia and pekinensis (‘Eastern Common Swift’) from Iran to Mongolia and northern China (Cramp et al. 1985).Jobling, James A (2010). The Helm Dictionary of Scientific Bird Names. London: Christopher Helm. p. 219. ISBN 978-1-4081-2501-4. The taxonomy of the ‘Great Grey Shrikes’ is in a state of considerable flux and at least six potential species have been identified though not formally proposed (Olsson et al. 2010). Pending further work, IOC currently defines Great Grey Shrike as comprising twelve subspecies, of which ten inhabit North Africa, the Middle East and Central Asia and have been treated by many authors as ‘Southern Grey Shrike’. A further five North Asian and Nearctic taxa are treated by IOC as a separate species – ‘Northern Shrike’. Glutz von Blotzheim, U. N. & Bauer, K. M. 1993. Handbuch der Vögel Mitteleuropas 13/III. Wiesbaden. Small, B. J. & Walbridge, G. 2005. A review of the identification of ‘Balearic Woodchat Shrike’, and details of three British records. British Birds 98: 34-42. Many borealis are readily diagnosable on the basis of greyer upperparts, whiter cheeks and underparts and, in fresh plumage, a stronger white midwing panel but worn kleinschmidti pose a potential pitfall. Biometrics might also provide useful evidence.

Shrikes of the World : Norbert Lefranc : 9781472933775 Shrikes of the World : Norbert Lefranc : 9781472933775

The definitive work on shrikes – a beautiful book that will be treasured by birders and professional ornithologists alike. Lewington, I. 1999. Separation of Pallid Swift and pekinensis Common Swift. Birding World 12: 450-452. Atkinson, Eric C. (1997). "Singing for Your Supper: Acoustical Luring of Avian Prey by Northern Shrikes". The Condor. Oxford University Press (OUP). 99 (1): 203–206. doi: 10.2307/1370239. ISSN 0010-5422. Madge, S. & Burn, H. 1994. Crows & Jays: a guide to the crows, jays and magpies of the world. Helm, London.a b c Yosef, Reuven (2008). "Family Laniidae (Shrikes)". In Josep, del Hoyo; Andrew, Elliott; David, Christie (eds.). Handbook of the Birds of the World. Volume 13, Penduline-tits to Shrikes. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions. pp.732–773. ISBN 978-84-96553-45-3.

Shrikes: A Guide to the Shrikes of the World - Lefranc Shrikes: A Guide to the Shrikes of the World - Lefranc

Peregrine is widespread and exhibits considerable variation, with sixteen subspecies recognised worldwide. Nominate peregrinus breeds across Europe and northern Asia but is replaced across northernmost Arctic regions by calidus (‘Russian Peregrine’), a long distance migrant. Similarly, in North America the subspecies anatum is replaced in northernmost regions by tundrius (‘Tundra Peregrine’), also a long distance migrant. Claims of calidus and tundrius should include detailed notes and good photographs but on current knowledge it may not be possible to accept claims, even to the level of a subspecies pair. Biometrics (in respect of calidus) or details from a ringed or marked bird might be needed to prove an identification to subspecies. The issue of potential captive origin is also highly relevant in any claim of these subspecies. ( updated Dec 2017 AMS). For the British birder, where every shrike species is sadly now at least a scarcity and some are extreme rarities, their allure is all the more intense. Each one tends to be a popular fixture, and their often-confident nature means they can be highly photogenic, as well as entertaining to watch. For example, many birders will point to the famous Steppe Grey Shrike in north Lincolnshire in November 2008, which used to perch on the gathered crowd’s cameras and telescopes, as one of their most memorable birding encounters on home shores. Both nominate senator and badius are on the British List, the former a scarce migrant, the latter very rare with ten accepted records to date. The subspecies niloticus is not on the British List but is a potential vagrant. Nash, M. 2012. Great Grey Shrikes at Fakenham and Felbrigg. Norfolk Bird & Mammal Report 2011. Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists’ Society.The family name, and that of the largest genus, Lanius, is derived from the Latin word for "butcher", and some shrikes are also known as butcherbirds because of the habit, particularly of males, of impaling prey onto plant spines within their territories. These larders have multiple functions, attracting females and serving as food stores. [1] The common English name shrike is from Old English scrīc, alluding to the shrike's shriek-like call. [2] Taxonomy [ edit ] a b Gill, Frank; Donsker, David; Rasmussen, Pamela, eds. (July 2023). "Shrikes, vireos, shrike-babblers". IOC World Bird List Version 13.2. International Ornithologists' Union . Retrieved 23 July 2023.