During a visit to Essaouira from 1 to 8 November, there was a good variety of less common migrants, as well as the usual winter visitors. These included Crag Martin (3 Nov), Lapwing (6 Nov), more than 20 Red-Crested Pochard (7 Nov), Kentish Plover, Golden Plover (both 6 Nov), Spotted Redshank (2 and 6 Nov), an Osprey (present throughout the week), Reed Warbler (2 – 5 Nov), Black Redstart (3 and 8 Nov), Blue Rock Thrush, Pied Flycatcher and Red-Backed Shrike (all on 3 Nov). A single Eleanora’s Falcon was also seen on 2 Nov, the latest date I have recorded them in recent years. Among the regular winter visitors, Stonechat seemed particularly abundant this autumn (Peter Greig-Smith)
Red-Backed Shrike Lanius collurio
On 3 November 2016 I observed a bird that I identified as a first-winter Red-Backed Shrike, in a location approx 5 km inland from Essaouira, between the villages of Ghazoua and Diabat. The location was a stony hillside dotted with Argan trees and Agave plants.
In mid afternoon, in bright conditions, I spotted the bird perched on top of a thorny bush, at some distance. The immediate impression was of a bird smaller than a Southern Grey Shrike (also in the area) but larger than a finch or bunting. It’s perching posture was noticeably upright.
As I approached closer, it was clearly a shrike. I could see the following plumage features:
– Pale grey head
– A dark patch behind the eye
– The back (which I was seeing from behind) was red-brown, with dark markings across it
– The wings were also largely red-brown, with obvious buff edges to the coverts and at least some flight feathers
– Though partly obscured, the underparts appeared to be plain, dirty white
– The tail was mid-brown (not reddish) with light-coloured (off-White) sides.
– The bill was partly pale (slightly yellowish)
The bird’s behaviour was typical of a shrike: periodically dropping to the ground from its perch, and returning to the same or a similar perch, always in an upright position. I saw no wing or tail movements on landing, and it remained silent. It flew off eventually in a straight path, low over the ground.
I concluded that this could only be a first-year Red-Backed Shrike.
Peter Greig-Smith
15 November 2016