Shrikes

Shrikes:

Family: Laniidae

Shrikes are songbirds with some of the behaviors of raptors. North America has two breeding species, Loggerhead and Northern Shrikes.

Both shrike species prefer open habitat especially if that habitat includes spiny bushes or trees for them to impale their prey on. Both species have a hooked bill that is used to paralyze their prey and both have harsh sounding calls and songs.

Shrikes are also called “Butcher Birds”.