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A Beginners Guide to North American Shrikes




Shrikes have heavy, strongly hooked beaks, black masks and large
white wing patches contrasting with dark wings. Color is pale
gray with paler-gray or white under part.



One species, the great gray shrike, invaded North America,
where it evolved into a smaller species, the loggerhead shrike.

Later another invasion occurred; and are called northern shrikes.

The northern shrike is up to 10 in long; the loggerhead shrike is
about 9 in.


Both feed on insects and small vertebrates, which they often impale
on thorn trees or barbed wire for later consumption.

Shrikes perch alone with tail held horizontal.

Shrikes build nests in thorny shrubs or well hidden in small trees.
They lay 4 to 6 eggs.

Picture Northern Shrike




Shrikes belong to the order Passeriformes.

Types of Shrikes include:

Loggerhead Shrike
Northern Shrike


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