Lianwei, Haifeng, Guangdong, China.
I found a very unusual Shrike at the weekend which differed in many chacteristics from the norm for Lanius Schach sp.fuscatus.
Firstly the bird was overall black and not showing sharp contrast between the head, wing and body. Secondly the bird had a pale greenish beak rather than dark grey/black. Thirdly the bird had a strong wing bar showing white tips and edges to primaries at rest and finally a white underside to the upper tail and vent area. None of these plumage charcteristics are normally found in Long-tailed Shrikes which has no white wing bar nor white underside to the tail. Has anyone seen similar Long-tailed Shrikes before ?
I shall try and find this bird again and anymore in the area which show similar irregularities in appearance this weekend.

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