Bull-headed Shrike (Lanius bucephalus bucephalus) 12 February 2019. Inzai--Motono Swan Sanctuary and ricefields, Chiba Prefecture, Japan.
Bull-headed Shrike (Lanius bucephalus)
Shrikes have a distinct hook at the tip of their bill as seen here, an adaptation for their predatory habits. This species is unusual among shrikes in having distinctly different male and female plumages. Adult males such as this show a mostly gray back and a white spot at the base of the primaries. Females are similar but much browner above, no white spot, and have a less distinct facial mask. Two races are usually recognized. This is the widespread nominate race. A darker subspecies occurs in China. Canon PowerShot SX60

Reference:

Yosef, R. & International Shrike Working Group (2019). Bull-headed Shrike (Lanius bucephalus). In: del Hoyo, J., Elliott, A., Sargatal, J., Christie, D.A. & de Juana, E. (eds.). Handbook of the Birds of the World Alive. Lynx Edicions, Barcelona. (retrieved from https://www.hbw.com/node/60469 on 30 March 2019).
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