Shrike
The loggerhead shrike is a masked, hook-billed songbird known for its
habit of impaling prey on thorns or barbed wire. It is a gray, black and
white bird, with a slim tail, large head, hooked black beak and
distinctive black mask. When a shrike flies, you can see two white wing
patches. Males and females are similar in size and color. Because of its
size, color and wing patches, the loggerhead shrike is easily confused
with mockingbirds and more common northern shrikes. Mockingbirds,
however, have longer tails, larger wing patches and no mask. Northern
shrikes are slightly larger than loggerheads and have a barred breast,
paler head, whiter rump and longer bill. Unlike the loggerhead's
entirely black bill, the northern shrike's bill has a light-colored
lower mandible.
» Length: 7 inches
» Heavy, hooked bill
» Black mask
» Gray head and back
» White underparts
» Black wings with white wing patches
» Black tail with white outer tail feathers
» Juveniles and immatures are duller with faint barring above and below
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