Loggerhead Shrike Lanius ludovicianus
Overview
Description
The loggerhead shrike (Lanius ludovicianus) is a passerine bird in the family Laniidae. It is the only member of the shrike family endemic to North America; the related northern shrike (L. borealis) occurs north of its range, however it is also found in Siberia. It is nicknamed the butcherbird after its carnivorous tendencies, as it consumes prey such as insects, amphibians, lizards, small mammals and small birds, and some prey end up displayed and stored at a site, for example in a tree. Due to its small size and weak talons, this predatory bird relies on impaling its prey upon thorns or barbed wire for facilitated consumption. The numbers of loggerhead shrike have significantly decreased in recent years, especially in Midwestern, New England and Mid-Atlantic areas.1
Taxonomy
Passeriformes > Laniidae (Shrikes) > Shrikes
Sightings
Relevant Sightings
- 05-03-2024 - Ciudad de México, Mexico (First Sighting)
- 01-05-2025 - California, United States (Last Sighting / Only Photo)
Places Seen
- California, United States
- Ciudad de México, Mexico
Media
Photographs
Audio Recordings
No audio recordings available.