The Long-tailed Shrike is a handsome bird that sits elegantly on a branch, keeps a close watch on its surroundings and suddenly swoops down when it spots something worth catching. But it has a rather unusual idea of housekeeping, which has earned it the name Butcher Bird. The Long-tailed Shrike catches insects, lizards and sometimes even small birds, and sticks them onto thorns or barbed wire. It returns to eat them later. Unlike many birds of prey, the shrike does not have strong feet or powerful talons to hold larger prey while feeding. So it has found its own ingenious solution. A thorn or a piece of barbed wire comes in handy, doing the job of holding its food in place.

Now let your imagination run wild. Picture a well-dressed gentleman running a butcher’s shop in the neighbourhood. With its handsome black mask, grey head, chestnut-brown wings and long tail, the shrike certainly looks the part. One can easily imagine him attending a garden party, exchanging pleasantries and discussing the weather. Little would anyone suspect the rather gruesome business he runs on the side.