Hypocolius

The Gray Hypocolius (Hypocolius ampelinus) is the sole member of the family Hypocoliidae. It ranges through the Middle East, breeding in the Iraq, Iran, Pakistan, Turkmenistan area, and wintering in Saudi Arabia. It is found in bushes and scrub, also in palm groves and gardens.

It is mostly a uniform gray color, with males having a black triangular mask around the eyes.

The bird is not especially rare, but the political difficulties in getting into and around any of the countries in its range are formidable.

• Hypocolius birding info and photos (http://www.montereybay.com/creagrus/hypocolius)