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This is a regular but seldom seen winter visitor that is found in the Indian Subcontinent and Southeast Asia. Twelve subspecies have been recognized. The birds that winters in Sri Lanka and southern India belong to the nominate subspecies G.c.citrina, which breeds in northern India along the Himalays to eastern Bangladesh.

The conservation status of this species is regarded as Least Concerned (IUCN Red List).

Brown Shrike is a species protected under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance as amended by Act No. 22 of 2009.

During the migrant season it can be found through out the low country up to the mid hills. This secretive species in habits shady damp areas of the forest and usually hops out in to the open during dawn and dusk. I have seen it at most dry zone national parks including Udawalawa, Wasgomuwa, Yala and Kumana.

It is a regularly seen species at Wilpattu during the early morning and evening game drives. I have seen it at many locations in the park including Aalam Villu, Panikkar Villu, Maradanmaduwa and Tala Wila. The waist water drains from the kitchens of most park bungalows are invariably visited by these birds to feed and works and other insects during dawn and dusk.