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Red-backed Shrike with yellow legs

On 5th May 2003 there were several migrant male Red-backed Shrikes (Lanius collurio) present at Neot Semadar orchard groves. One of these differed from the rest in being especially bright on the underparts, and also had a prominent white base to the primaries visible on the closed wing. In the field I noticed that the leg colour was pale, rather than black, and took several images. The legs and feet appeared pale yellow, though the hindclaw was blackish on the outerside.

All the field guide and photographic references that I've found show adult Red-backed Shrikes, and actually all adult West Palearctic shrikes with wholly black legs and feet. I'm still puzzled by the leg colour of this bird and haven't heard of, or seen anything quite like it.

We are very interested in receiving some feedback on this bird, so if you have any comments please don't hesitate to mention them to us at birdingisrael.com.

Red-backed Shrike
Red-backed Shrike - male
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