Loggerhead Shrike

(Lanius ludovicianus)

Conservation Status

 

No Image Available

 
  IUCN Red List

NT - Near Threatened

 
  NatureServe

N4 - Apparently Secure

S2B - Imperiled Breeding

 
  Minnesota

Endangered

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.

Species in Greatest Conservation Need

 
           
 
Description
 
 

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.

 
     
 

Size

 
 

8 to 10in length

12 wingspan

 
     
 

Voice

 
   
   
     
 

Similar Species

 
 

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.

 
     
 
Habitat
 
 

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

 
     
 
Ecology
 
 

Migration

 
 

Early March to late April and August to late September

 
     
 

Nesting

 
 

 

 
     
 

Food

 
 

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

 
     
 
Distribution
 
 

Occurrence

 
 

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

 
         
 

Maps

 
 

The Minnesota Ornithologists’ Union All Seasons Species Occurrence Map

 
         
 
Taxonomy
 
  Class Aves (birds)  
 

Order

Passeriformes (perching birds)  
 

Family

Lanidae (shrikes)  
 

Genus

Lanius (typical shrikes)  
       
 

Subordinate Taxa

 
 

Grinnell’s Loggerhead Shrike (Lanius ludovicianus grinnelli)

Island Loggerhead Shrike (Lanius ludovicianus anthonyi)

Loggerhead Shrike (Lanius ludovicianus ludovicianus)

Loggerhead Shrike (Lanius ludovicianus miamensis)

Mexican Loggerhead Shrike (Lanius ludovicianus mexicanus)

Migrant Loggerhead Shrike (Lanius ludovicianus migrans)

Prairie Loggerhead Shrike (Lanius ludovicianus excubitorides)

San Clemente Loggerhead Shrike (Lanius ludovicianus mearnsi)

 
       
 

Synonyms

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 
Visitor Photos
 
           
 

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MinnesotaSeasons.com Photos
 
 

 

 
           

 

Camera

 

     
 
Slideshows
 
  Loggerhead Shrike
Allen Chartier
 
  Loggerhead Shrike  
  Loggerhead Shrike
Andy Reago & Chrissy McClarren
 
  Loggerhead Shrike  
  Loggerhead Shrike
JMC Nature Photos
 
  Loggerhead Shrike  

 

slideshow

       
 
Visitor Videos
 
       
 

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Other Videos
 
  World's Weirdest - Cute Bird Impales Its Prey
NatGeoWild
 
   
 
About

Published on Jun 15, 2012

World's Weirdest: Freaks of the Sky : SUN OCT 14 at 4P et/pt : http://animals.nationalgeographic.com

It might look like a lightweight, but the shrike is a stone-cold killer. The thorns of the acacia tree are perfect for impaling prey, and they double as a pantry. Lizard on the barbie, anyone?

   
  The Audubon Moment - The Loggerhead Shrike
The Audubon Moment
 
   
 
About

Published on May 19, 2014

Loggerhead Shrikes are the little song birds that act like much larger birds of prey. Instead of killing with talons like a raptor, these birds kill with their beaks. Victims are then impaled on a thorn to be eaten, piece by piece. At least he looks cute!

   
  Loggerhead Shrike - (Lanius ludovicianus)
Mark Vance
 
   
 
About

Uploaded on Feb 20, 2012

Loggerhead Shrike - (Lanius ludovicianus) By: Mark H. Vance - Be sure to check out all of Mark's bird videos at http://www.youtube.com/markinsrq5 Please subscribe if you like birds, many more great videos to come! Thanks

Mark Vance
5342 Clark Rd #144
Sarasota, Fl 34233

The Celery Fields - Sarasota, Florida Facebook Page - http://www.facebook.com/groups/218447741581516/
Please join!

   
  Loggerhead Shrike impaled small snake on barbed wire
luluhachidori
 
   
 
About

Uploaded on Oct 11, 2009

   
  Loggerhead Shrike - Lanius ludovicianus
Stoil Ivanov
 
   
 
About

Published on Jun 25, 2013

Loggerhead Shrike ( Lanius ludovicianus ) video taken on Antelope Island Utah 6-10-2013

   

 

Camcorder

 
 
Visitor Sightings
 
           
 

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Tera Olson
3/24/2023

Location: Elk River, Spikes store

appeared injured but we went back to find it later and could not locate it

 
           
 
MinnesotaSeasons.com Sightings
 
   

 

 

Binoculars

 

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