Great Grey Shrike breeds in northern Europe and Asia. It is
migratory and winters further south in those continents. British
wintering birds usually arrive in October and November when as a
rule they are solitary. When several arrive simultaneously they
speedily spread out, each establishing its hunting territory and
reducing competition with others. The song consists of pleasant
warbling and this species will lure other birds closer by
mimicking their calls. Some historical names for Great Grey
Shrike include; Butcher Bird, Murdering Magpie, White Whiskey
John, Sentinel Shrike and Wierangle.
There have been four Great Grey Shrike reported from S.
Gloucestershire;
2009: (1)
One was present at Lower Woods on Inglestone Common near Wickwar
on November 23rd.(G & J Lucena)
1983: (1)
One was present on Filton Golf Course on April 6th and was
probably the over wintering bird from 1982.