The loggerhead shrike is also known as the butcherbird because it often impales its prey on thorns or barbed wire because it is small and has weak talons. This helps it consume its prey which can include lizards, amphibians, small mammals, small birds and insects. I've previously blogged on at least one I've seen in Florida.
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| A loggerhead shrike at Hayfield Road. |
The term "loggerhead" comes from the size of the head compared to the rest of the body.
It is gray above, has a white to pale gray breast, black feet, a black tail edged with white, a black mask which extends across the eye to the bill, a short black bill which is hooked, and black wings with a white patch on the primaries.
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| Loggerhead shrike near Corn Springs. |
I've seen two loggerhead shrikes this summer. The first was on June 20th at Hayfield Road and the second was on July 18 off the road into Corn Springs.
It's a pretty little bird, but that mask on its eyes is a little ominous. It doesn't sound very friendly.
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