Identification: It is a small sized bird measuring about 31-36 cm. in length, having short and rounded wings and long tail with 4-5 barrings. The colour of the plumage on the upper side of the body is ash blue-gray, and white below, closely barred with rusty brown colour, especially on the breast. A median gray stripe is present on the throat. The female is larger in size and has a dark smoky brown body with gray above.

Habitat: It is found in kandi trees and tamarisk jungles, open wooded biotope, hills and plain sand environs of villages and cultivated lands.

Distribution: It is a resident bird, found throughout Pakistan and is reported to breed in Punjab.

Breeding: It breeds between March and June. The number of eggs laid varies between 3 - 4 or sometimes 5.

Food: It feeds on small mammals, small birds, lizards, frogs and insects.

Status: Common in Sindh