Red-backed shrike / Neuntöter (Lanius collurio)

Neuntöter im Apfelbaum beim Bauernhof Friedliweid. 2024-08-03 17:39:44 Friedliweid

Observations

First documented observation: 2021-05-29 in Maienfeld. Most recent observation: 2025-05-16 in Neeracherried.

Description

Classification: Genus Lanius (Lanius); Family Shrikes (Laniidae)
General: Kulturland. Im Gebüsch an der Stillen Reuss.
General: Deutschland: Brut-, Zugvogel
Personal notes: Saw this masked bandit at Maienfeld. I was also told where to find it in the hedges at the Stille Reuss in Rottenschwil.
Culture: The BirdLife Switzerland bird of the year of 2020, the red-backed shrike or Neuntöter, made a surprising appearance in the New York Times in May 2021 when a private collection of manuscript and books from the Brontë family was put up for sale. Among the books is father Brontë's copy of Thomas Bewick’s 'A History of British Birds,' which Jane Eyre leafs through in a scene in Charlotte's novel of the same name. [NY Times, 'A Lost Brontë Library Surfaces', by Jennifer Schuessler, May 25, 2021]
Etymology: Er spiesst Beutetiere oft an Dornen oder spitzen Seitenästen auf, um sie zu bearbeiten und zu zerteilen oder als Vorrat zu halten. Seinen Namen soll der Neuntöter dieser Eigenart verdanken: Man hat früher irrtümlicherweise angenommen, dass er immer erst neun Tiere aufspiesst, bevor er wieder eines verzehrt. [Link]

Seasonal behavior

Presence: 05-01 - 10-07
Breeding: 05-10 - 08-09
Migration in: 05-01 - 06-09
Migration out: 07-20 - 10-07
More details at Vogelwarte.ch

Other Details

Physical details

Physical details: length=17 cm, wingspan=24-27 cm, weight=25-35 g
Habitats: Agricultural

Similar species

Looks similar to: Northern wheatear.

Vocalisation

Song: Reminds me a bit of a Rohrsaenger/Feldlerche with its short, varied bits. BirdID says Song surprisingly varied with many expert imitations of small passerines, interwoven with bell-like ringing and dry chirping sounds. May be confusing and hard to identify if bird not seen. Song not very loud, but phrases can be very long. 'May be confusing' - tell me about it! What's not confusing about trying to tell apart 422 species of Swiss birds!
Song: Call a hard "check check" (like striking two rocks together), and a variable nasal "twee" Song surprisingly varied with many expert imitations of small passerines, interwoven with bell-like ringing and dry chirping sounds. May be confusing and hard to identify if bird not seen. Song not very loud, but phrases can be very long. [Link] Song attributes: Melody: sings 30 seconds or longer, slow, Frequency: medium (1-5 KHz) Special sounds: mimicry
XC570644 - Marsh Warbler - Acrocephalus palustris - song. ♫ Source: XENOCANTO XC570644 - Marsh Warbler - Acrocephalus palustris - song.mp3 (song)