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lejun | profile | all galleries >> "Birdseye View" >> Warblers, Vireos, Kinglets, Gnatcatchers, & Shrikes >> Shrikes tree view | thumbnails | slideshow

Shrikes


Shrikes; Genus Lanius
Loggerhead Shrike: Lanius ludovicianus

It is nicknamed the butcherbird after its carnivorous tendencies,
as it consumes prey such as amphibians, insects, lizards, small mammals and small birds,
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 Loggerhead Shrike epitomizes the dire conservation status of many grassland birds.
Loggerhead Shrike populations have undergone a drastic decline, shrinking 76% since 1966 (according to the North American Breeding Bird Survey)
and the species is now rare in portions of its former range, even where apparently suitable habitat still exists.
(Source: The Loggerhead Shrike Working Group.
Conservation Centers for Species Survival
Loggerhead Shrike
Loggerhead Shrike		 Loggerhead Shrike
Loggerhead Shrike		 Loggerhead Shrike
Loggerhead Shrike		 Loggerhead Shrike
Loggerhead Shrike
Loggerhead Shrike
Loggerhead Shrike		 Loggerhead Shrike
Loggerhead Shrike 		Loggerhead Shrike
Loggerhead Shrike 		Loggerhead Shrike Impaling Prey
Loggerhead Shrike Impaling Prey

comment
Art Wittingen10-Mar-2012 19:15
Excellent and beautiful gallery
Regards,Art
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