The term 'Great Grey' is a reference to the Great Grey SHRIKE, a species of bird found in Europe, Asia, and North Africa. It is also known as the Northern SHRIKE or the Butcher Bird due to its habit of impaling its prey on thorns or barbed wire. The Great Grey SHRIKE is a medium-sized bird with a grey back, white underparts, and a black mask. It has a hooked bill and a long tail, which it uses to balance itself when perched.