We studied the breeding ecology of the Grey-backed Shrike (Lanius tephronotus) in alpine shrub habitats in south Tibet. Shrikes nested between late May and early July at elevations of 4,010–4,540 m with a delay in nesting time with increased elevation. Nests were built mostly in bushes (83%), 0.7–2.1 m above ground. Clutch size averaged (± SD) 4.12 ± 0.67, range  =  3–5 eggs and was smaller for pairs that nested later at higher elevations. Incubation by females began before clutch competition and lasted 15–18 days. Nestlings were cared for by both parents for 14–15 days. Breeding success, considered as the number of nest attempts that fledged at least one young, was 45.8%. Shrikes nesting in alpine habitats, compared with their lowland congeners, experienced shorter breeding seasons, produced fewer broods, smaller clutches, and larger eggs. They followed a life history strategy that allowed them to compensate for reduced annual fecundity under harsh conditions.