For me the Eye of the Tiger in juvenile plumage always stands out in an odd way.The eye contrasts hugely with the surrounding eyering and pale lores, which makes the eye appear excessively big ( I assume this is an illusion but it may not be).
The only other shrike that might have such pale lores and a pale peri-ocular area are those of the Isabelline comlplex like this one
http://orientalbirdimages.org/se ... _Family_ID=&p=7 , but of course the upperparts are plain not scalloped and hence you would never confuse them.
I agree the apparent thickness of the bill and extreme pallor are good features as well, but there is considerable variation and other young Shrikes can have relatively pale bills
http://orientalbirdimages.org/se ... amily_ID=&p=22.
What a great bird. Thanks for sharing it.
Eric
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Last edited by EricB at 25/09/2011 08:25 ]
