A new bird for my life list - Northern Shrike
While sitting in my window perch yesterday, and wondering where all the late-afternoon birds were, I discovered a new bird for my life list. I saw, for the first time ever, a Northern Shrike!
Here's what I learned (from the 'net) about Northern Shrikes...and why my birds disappeared when he dropped in for a visit.
"A predatory songbird, the Northern Shrike breeds in taiga and tundra and winters in southern Canada and the northern US. It feeds on small birds, mammals, and insects, sometimes impaling them on plant thorns or barbed wire fences to assist in eating or for storage to eat later. This serves not only as a food cache but also marks territory and attracts mates."
Description: 9-10 1/2 inches. Wingspan of 12-14 inches. Robin-sized. Pale gray above, white below, with faint barring on under parts, and bold black mask ending at bill. Black tail with white edges. Stout, hooked bill. Immature is browner.
Usually seen perched atop a tree in the open. It has a well-developed song, and is also capable of imitating the songs of several birds.
INTERESTING FACTS: The species name of the Northern Shrike, Lanius excubitor, means, "Butcher watchman."
Their nest is so deep that while incubating, all that can be seen of the female is the tip of her tail.
Since they lack talons, they stun or kill their prey with blows from their powerful beaks.
A group of shrikes are collectively known as an "abattoir" and a "watch" of shrikes.
The species is found in Europe, Asia, and northern North America, where it ranges from coast to coast up to the tree line. North American shrikes winter in the more southerly parts of Canada, southward into the United States.
Comments (3)
tobygirl
Marilyn Sue
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