A very agressive predatory bird of Robin-size which winters in southern Canada and the northern United States. It feeds on small birds, and often attacking larger birds than itself, as well as mammals and insects, usually catching them with it's beak, impalling them on sharp thorns or barbed wire fences, until ready to eat. Also imitates calls of other birds, as a means of attracting them to it's location.

The latin name of the Northern Shrike, Lanius excubitor means "Butcher Watchman"