Rufous-backed Shrike (Lanius schach)

[dolina]

Rufous-backed Shrike (Lanius schach) by Paolo Dolina, on Flickr

A large, noisy shrike typical of open habitats across Asia. Adults have a dark mask and a light gray upper back with a variable amount of orange on lower back and flanks. Eastern subspecies has complete black cap; melanistic form has more extensive dark mask and is darker overall. Smaller Bay-backed Shrike has thicker black mask; Gray-backed Shrike has darker gray back and lacks orange coloration and white in wings. Juveniles difficult to separate from other juvenile shrikes. Gives loud, screeching calls; also mimics other birds.

Source: https://ebird.org/species/lotshr1?siteLanguage=en_PH

Location: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muntinlupa

[wigz]

Very nice shot Paolo. Nice soft light and good detail.

[HansE]

Great image but as a bird shot the vegetation maybe a bit distracting as it competes for interest.

[Isac]

I did find myself looking everywhere over the image so I guess Hans has a point. Lovely photo of the bird standing tall and proud. Perhaps a tighter crop would help draw the eye to the bird?

[David_MC]

Nice shot. I think the soft light suits it.