Shrikes

Northern Shrike, Lanius excubitor

Family Laniidae (Shrikes)

Size: 10"

Season: Winter

Habitat: Dry open country

The northern shrike is raptor-like in its feeding habits. It swoops down from a perch on a branch, wire, or post and captures large insects, small mammals, or birds, impaling them on thorny barbs before tearing them apart to feed. It has a compact, large head and a medium-length, thick, moderately hooked bill. The upperparts are light gray with a white rump, and the underparts are pale and finely barred. The wings are black, with white patches at the base of the primaries and upper coverts. The tail is black and edged with white. There is a black mask on the head extending from the base of the bill to the ear area, but this does not extend above the eye. It flies with quick wing beats and swooping glides. The adult is illustrated.