My favourite shrike.
07th May 2026
Although the most numerous species of shrike on the island of Lesvos, the Red Backed Shrike remains my favourite. I have always had a soft spot for these birds, because a male was the most difficult for me to see in the UK. I kept getting females and juveniles but the male eluded me for years, and although this was about forty years ago the great sense of satisfaction at finally seeing a male 'red back' still endures to this day.
These birds are very beautiful, as are all shrikes and these are one of my favourite family of birds. Driving up the valley from the coastal town Eresos towards the old monastery these lovely birds adorned the bushes all along the track and I stopped counting at fifty birds.
One of their favourite perches were dead Alexander plants which grow in abundance in these areas.
What attracts me to these birds are the contrasting colours. I love the delicate pink wash on the breast and flanks, the powder blue/grey head and that sharply defined rusty coloured back.
Just gorgeous!
These birds are very beautiful, as are all shrikes and these are one of my favourite family of birds. Driving up the valley from the coastal town Eresos towards the old monastery these lovely birds adorned the bushes all along the track and I stopped counting at fifty birds.
One of their favourite perches were dead Alexander plants which grow in abundance in these areas.
What attracts me to these birds are the contrasting colours. I love the delicate pink wash on the breast and flanks, the powder blue/grey head and that sharply defined rusty coloured back.
Just gorgeous!