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Juvenile Woodchat Shrikes are stocky, big-headed birds recognized by their grey-brown upperparts, barred white rumps, and scaled underparts. Lacking the adults' striking chestnut crown and black mask, they display mottled plumage and wide rufous fringing on their wings. They rely on open habitats like orchards for hunting insects.
Plumage and Identification
Head & Cap: Juveniles lack the adult's distinct black mask and reddish-brown crown. They feature a greyish-brown head with pale, dull barring.
Body: The upperparts are grey-brown, while the underparts are buff or pale with vermiculated/scaled patterns.
Wings: They show wide rufous fringing to the greater coverts and tertials.
Distinct Features: Unlike similar species, they have a contrastingly pale rump. The bill is brownish, and the yellow gape (the swollen base of the bill) can still be visible in young birds.
