Loggerhead Shrike

Description:

A gray bird with black wings that are adorned with white flashes. It has a black mask, and a long black tail.. The Loggerhead Shrike has a thick black bill with a hook. It has a wingspan of approximately 12 inches.

Habitat:

Habitat: Open pastures and grasslands with dispersed trees and shrubs, but can also be found in wooded areas that contain open areas within. Shrikes also inhabit desert scrublands, savannas, and prairies. These birds often nest in thorny vegetation such as Hawthorn and Cedar trees. They have 1-2 broods yearly with a clutch size of 5-6 eggs. Range: Throughout North America, Mexico, and parts of Central America. Diet: Feeds on insects, amphibians, reptiles, arthropods, and birds. Will also feed on carrion.

Notes:

This bird was found in a tree, and often lands on electrical wires that are nearby. Thank you Tukup for you identification input. This is one viciously cool bird!! FUN FACTS: This bird goes by the nickname "butcherbird" due to its behavior of impaling its' prey on thorns or barbed wire prior to eating. It often leaves impaled prey for days returning later to feed. The Loggerhead Shrike is capable of killing prey that is comparable to its' own size. They have a hooked bill that contains "tomial teeth" which are pointy extensions thought to be used to paralyze its prey upon attack. Ref: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Logg...