Like most shrikes, the preferred feeding strategy of the Great Grey is to wait-and-pounce, from a prominent position on top of a bush or high tree branch. It will, however, also hunt like a Sparrowhawk, waiting in the dense cover of a bush from which it dashes out, surprising its prey. Winter prey is largely made up of small mammals and some small birds. Finches are often a target, and some birds may wait by a finch roost for supper in the evening.