Bull-headed Shrike

Japan’s Masked Songbird of Autumn

As the intense heat of summer fades and the crisp, clear autumn skies emerge, one bird's distinctive call starts to dominate the Japanese countryside: the Bull-headed Shrike (Lanius bucephalus).

Look for its warm, reddish-brown head contrasting sharply with a prominent black "mask" that runs across its eyes. It’s a bold look for a bold bird!

A Voice That Marks the Season

More than its appearance, the Bull-headed Shrike is known for its loud, sharp, and high-pitched voice. Its calls are so characteristic of the changing seasons that they have been recognized for centuries. In traditional Japanese haiku poetry, the shrike’s voice is established as a kigo, or season word, for autumn. Hearing it is one of the clear signs that the country is moving into fall.

The Little Raptor

While only slightly larger than a typical Eurasian Tree Sparrow (or house sparrow for North American birders), don't let its size fool you. The Bull-headed Shrike belongs to a family of birds often referred to as "butcher birds" or "small raptors." They possess a powerful, hooked bill and occasionally prey on other small birds, as well as large insects and lizards. It’s a fascinating, fierce predator in miniature!

Where and When to Spot It

The Bull-headed Shrike is widely distributed across Japan.

• Hokkaido is their northern limit, where they are summer visitors.

• From Honshu (the main island) south to Kyushu, they can be seen year-round.

For international birders planning a trip, the best time to easily spot the Bull-headed Shrike is from autumn through the early spring. The trees are less dense, and the birds are often more conspicuous on exposed perches, making them much easier to find and observe.