I do apologise - I know this is not the UAE, but it is very close! I would be grateful if someone could identify this bird I saw in the acacia forest at Sall Ala near Khasab on Saturday. Both photos are of the same bird - the second one was in shadow. Many thanks, Steve
Daurian = Isabelline, as the one we get in the UAE is: Isabelline Shrike Lanius isabellinus isabellinus
This subspecies is called Isabelline Shrike (Daurian).
Common migrant and winter visitor, October to April, scarce other months.
Birds of the subspecies-group Isabelline Shrike (Chinese) L. (isabellinus) arenarius/tsaidamensiscould occur, but not reliably reported. The bird on the photo is too dark for this species, and fits better for female Turkestan Shike = Red-tailed Shrike:
Turkestan ShrikeLanius phoenicuroides
Common migrant, March to early May and September to mid-November; scarce or absent other months. Recorded July. Note: grey-backed and grey-headed birds assigned to L. phoenicuroides ‘karelini’recorded in spring.
Lack of grey neck separates this from Red-backed Shrike female https://www.smugmug.com/gallery/n-5cvqf/
Hi Tommy
Thnak you so much for the clarifications. Warm wishes, reza khan