Southern Grey Shrike (Canary Island sub-species), "El Jable" plains, Lanzarote (5360119920)

Description:

The Southern Grey Shrike is a common resident on Lanzarote. It is particularly abundant in open habitats such the scrubby steppes of El Jable and El Rubicon, where dozens can be seen in a single day. Recent genetic studies indicate that the Canary Island sub-species Lanius meridionalis koenigi is closely related to the African sub-species (L. m. algeriensis), and that both are only distantly related to the Southern European nominate L. m. meridionalis. Hence, a taxonomic reclassification of the North African and Canary Island Grey Shrikes as a distinct species is currently being considered. Digiscoping with Swarovski ATM 80 HD 30 X, Coolpix P6000 (Adapter DCB)