Loggerhead shrike

Loggerhead shrike
Temporal range: Late Pleistocene–present
↓
In Texas, USA

Apparently Secure  (NatureServe)[2]
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Laniidae
Genus: Lanius
Species:
L. ludovicianus
Binomial name
Lanius ludovicianus
Linnaeus, 1766
Approximate distribution range
  Breeding
  Year-round
  Non-breeding

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.[3] Due to its small size and weak talons, this predatory bird relies on impaling its prey upon thorns or barbed wire for facilitated consumption.[4] The numbers of loggerhead shrike have significantly decreased in recent years, especially in Midwestern, New England and Mid-Atlantic areas.[5]

  1. ^ BirdLife International (2020). "Lanius ludovicianus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2020: e.T22705042A179538598. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-3.RLTS.T22705042A179538598.en. Retrieved 12 November 2021.
  2. ^ "NatureServe Explorer 2.0". explorer.natureserve.org. Retrieved 5 November 2022.
  3. ^ Craig, R (1978). "An analysis of the predatory behavior of the Loggerhead Shrike". The Auk. 95 (2): 221–234.
  4. ^ Smith, S (1973). "Aggressive display and related behavior in the loggerhead shrike". The Auk. 90 (2): 287–298.
  5. ^ Lymn, N; Temple, S (1991). "Land-use changes in the Gulf coast region: links to declines in Midwestern loggerhead shrike populations". The Passenger Pigeon. 53 (4): 315–325.