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The Great Gray Shrike (Lanius excubitor) is a large passerine bird of the family Laniidae, distributed across Europe, Asia, and North Africa. Its scientific name, Lanius excubitor, means “sentinel executioner,” alluding to the bird’s predatory nature. It is easily recognized by its characteristic grey back, black mask, and white underparts. Thanks to its powerful bill, it feeds on small mammals, birds, and large insects. This species is noted for impaling its prey on thorny shrubs or wire fences