(Lanius ludovicianus)
The Loggerhead Shrike is known in many areas as
the "Butcher Bird" because it
impales it's prey (large insects, lizards, and small birds)
on barbed wire, fence posts, and thorny branches.
Some believe this is because it lacks the strong talons
of the larger birds of prey.
For a fine illlustration of this, check out this post on
Bill of the Birds' blog. And this one.
I include this photo to give you
a glimpse of its beautiful markings.
For more, detailed information about the Loggerhead Shrike ,
visit Sibley Guides for their latest post, which happens to be -
shrikes!!
For more Nature Notes, visit Michelle at Rambling Woods!
.jpg)
10 comments:
Great shots of the interesting bird. It's amazing the different mechanisms animals have for hunting. The first shot would make a great post card.
Hmmm. The loggerhead shrike looks so innocent. Butcher bird doesn't sound nice at all, but hey! The loggerhead shrike has to eat! :)
I have read about this bird. What a slaughter. It's pretty, though. But that just goes to show...well, does it show that pretty is as pretty does? :)
Thank you very much for sharing your wonderful compositions on his blog. Wish you Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Best wishes. Leovi.
Very cool bird. The Red-Backed Shrike is native here, but I have never seen one.
Amazing bird and that photo in one of the articles makes me glad that I only have sharpies and coops hunting here...wow...
A predator that masquerades as a cute little songbird. One of my favorites.
I had never heard of a Loggerhead Shrike before. Thanks for the bit of education.
And thanks for taking time to read an older post of mine. Glad that you like Brandi Carlile as well.
Love these little masked bandits! We get to see them from time to time out on the Katie Prairie or other times that we venture out of the urban areas of Houston. Nice pics!
Shrikes are so cool! and a little cruel, ha! But really neat birds. i haven't managed to get a photo of one yet, but I love watching them!
Post a Comment