Loggerhead Shrike

NT - Near Threatened

N4 - Apparently Secure

S2B - Imperiled Breeding

Endangered

Species in Greatest Conservation Need

In 1984, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) classified the Loggerhead Shrike a threatened species. In 2013, the DNR elevated its status to endangered.

A black mask extends over the eye and across the face over the bill. There is no white stripe over the eye. The breast and underparts are faintly gray, not barred.

8″ to 10″in length

12″ wingspan

Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos) is slimmer and has a slimmer bill. It does not have a black mask.

Northern Shrike (Lanius borealis) is only seen in Minnesota in winter. The black mask is narrower and does not extend across the face over the bill. There is a white stripe over the eye. The breast and underparts are lightly barred.

Northern Shrikes and Loggerhead Shrikes are similar in appearance and difficult to distinguish from the distance at which they are usually seen. They are best identified by the time of year they are spotted. If a shrike is seen in Minnesota in the winter, it is almost certainly a Northern Shrike. If it is seen in the summer, it is definitely a Loggerhead Shrike.

Shortgrass prairies and abandoned agricultural fields with shrubs, small trees, fences, or other perching sites.

Early March to late April and August to late September

Mostly large insects but also small birds, rodents, shrews, amphibians, and reptiles.

Occasional to uncommon summer migrant, rare and local breeder, rare to absent in winter.

The Minnesota Ornithologists’ Union All Seasons Species Occurrence Map