Record #:

8394

Author(s):

Draper, Grace S.

Abstract:

There are sixty-seven species of the bird family Lanidae in the world, but only two, the loggerhead and northern shrike, are found in this country. The loggerhead, which is found year-round in North Carolina, is colored grey and white; is slightly smaller than a robin; and is often mistaken for a mockingbird. The shrike is the only one of the country's songbirds that became a predator, and this has earned it a questionable reputation. Not having talons, the loggerhead anchors its prey on a sharp twig or thorn to tear it apart. The bird's favorite prey is large insects, but in winter, when food is scarce, it will catch small birds and mice.

Source:

Wildlife in North Carolina (NoCar SK 431 W54x), Vol. 33 Issue 11, Nov 1969, p26, 30, il

Subject(s):

Loggerhead shrike