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Loggerhead shrike (Lanius ludovicianus)

Loggerhead Shrike

Open grassland with scattered trees is perfect habitat for the loggerhead shrike (Lanius ludovicianus), a pale gray bird with white undersides and a black mask. Unlike most songbirds, the shrike preys on small birds and rodents, in addition to insects. It has no talons, but impales its victim on a thorn before tearing it apart, a technique that earns it the common name, butcher bird.


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