Daurian (?) Shrike
Lanius isabellinus

(Above) Doha Golf Course, Qatar, 06 November 2012 (EOS 7D, 300mm f2.8 + 2x Extender)

An interesting bird showing a mix of features. The grey hood evokes thoughts of karelini Turkestan Shrike, or maybe something of an even more eastern origin, but:

• the supercilum is narrow and buff, not broad and white
• and, although the chin is white, the underparts are clearly extensively buff

Overall, the impression is of a grey-shawled Daurian Shrike (L. isabellinus), and indeed this might be exactly what it is. However, such is the extent of the grey hood wrapping down and round onto the shoulders, that perhaps there is some Red-backed Shrike (L. collurio) influence. Unfortunately, wing formula and upperparts coloration are not visible; these might have provided a few more clues about the provenance and pedigree of this pretty individual.