Mauryan Grey Shrike
Mauryan Grey Shrike (Immature winter)
Mauryan Grey Shrike (Winter)
Scientific Name 
Lanius lahotra pallidirostris
Arabic Name 
صرد الوادي الجنوبي
Kuwaiti name 
حمامي عربي
25.0 cm
Least Concern
Kuwait Specialty
Similar species 


Uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor. Formerly considered a race of the Steppe Grey Shrike Lanius (meridionalis) pallidirostris. This pale grey desert shrike is fairly easy to spot in some desert oases in winter.
Where in Kuwait 
During passage it occurs in a range of habitats, but prefers more arid habitat with sparse vegetation.
In the world 
Research is ongoing on the Grey Shrike taxa. The race L. m. pallidirostis breeds in central Asia and winters in the tropics. It is much paler than Southern Grey or Great Grey, and is sometimes split as a separate species
Local threats 
Indiscriminate shooting and pesticides