The red-tailed shrike is a small beneficial bird that feeds on insects.

The red-tailed shrike (Lanius cristatus) is a small songbird of the genus Lanius in the family Laniidae. It is widely distributed in China and is one of the common migratory birds. It is not large in size, with the upperparts mostly reddish brown, a conspicuous black eye stripe on the side of the head, relatively long tail feathers tinged with reddish brown, and a hooked tip to the bill, giving it a somewhat small bird-of-prey appearance. Different subspecies differ slightly in head color and the depth of plumage color.

The red-tailed shrike is fierce in temperament and likes to move about alone, often perching on power lines, tree branches or the tops of shrubs and other high places with an open field of view to wait for an opportunity to hunt. Its food consists mainly of insects, and it also preys on other small animals. It has a famous habit of impaling or wedging uneaten prey on thorns or sharp branches for storage, which is why it is also popularly called the butcher bird. It mostly inhabits environments such as open woodlands, farmland shelterbelts, orchards and park green spaces.

In terms of ecological value, many of the prey of the red-tailed shrike are agricultural and forestry pests, so it can play a role in controlling pest outbreaks. It is generally regarded as a beneficial bird and has been included in the list of terrestrial wildlife of important ecological, scientific and social value for protection. During the migration season and the overwintering period, birdwatchers can often see them in parks, farmland and coastal shrublands in the south.

It should be noted that the red-tailed shrike is a wild animal that feeds mainly on live insects. It is difficult to keep in cages artificially, and doing so does not meet the requirements of wild animal protection, so capturing and keeping it is not recommended. When birdwatching, keeping an appropriate distance, not disturbing and not chasing it, and letting it live normally in the natural environment, is the best way to protect it.