[1] It is smallish shrike at 17 cm, maroon-brown above with a pale rump and long black tail with white edges.

[2] The crown and nape are grey, with a typical shrike black bandit mask through the eye.

Thus secured they can be ripped with the strong hooked bill, but its feet are not suited for tearing.

[2] It is a widespread resident or breeder in southern Asia and occurs in Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Nepal, India, and Turkmenistan.

It is occasionally found in Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Oman, United Arab Emirates, and Qutar.