The grey-backed shrike (Lanius tephronotus) has a dark grey crown and back, with white throat, black mask and wings, and bright orange sides. It is smaller than the Long-tailed Shrike and lacks orange on the back. The grey-backed shrike perches on exposed perches searching for insects such as moths, crickets, grasshoppers, beetles, and caterpillars. The territorial Grey-backed Shrike breeds in June-July in high-elevation forest clearings, plateau plains, and mountain meadows. There are two subspecies with distinct breeding ranges. Lanius tephronotus lahulensis is found from north Kashmir to central India and southwest China, while Lanius tephronotus tephronotus ranges from Nepal to northeast India and central to southern China.
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