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What type of bird is this Loggerhead Shrike eating?

Last post 12-26-2009, 5:57 PM by dukw_butter. 11 replies.
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  •  12-25-2009, 2:11 PM 130779

    What type of bird is this Loggerhead Shrike eating?

    Saw this today (Dec 25, '09) in my yard in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains of Colorado.  It appears to be a Loggerhead Shrike eating a smaller bird.  The bird being devoured has a red back.  Was missing the head when I discovered it.


  •  12-25-2009, 2:14 PM 130780 in reply to 130779

    Re: What type of bird is this Loggerhead Shrike eating?

    I would say that it's eating a House Finch. Neat photo.
    Dan Kopp
    Sacramento

    Many dreams come true, and some have silver linings; I live for my dream and a pocketful of gold...
  •  12-25-2009, 2:24 PM 130782 in reply to 130780

    Re: What type of bird is this Loggerhead Shrike eating?

    Agree with House Finch. However, with the white stripe, fairly narrow mask, and mostly because of the scaly plumage, I think you might have a Northern Shrike instead of a Loggerhead.

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  •  12-25-2009, 2:44 PM 130785 in reply to 130782

    Re: What type of bird is this Loggerhead Shrike eating?

    Looks like a Northern shrike and house finch to me too.
  •  12-25-2009, 2:47 PM 130787 in reply to 130782

    Re: What type of bird is this Loggerhead Shrike eating?

    Oh wow. I think you may be right. I just grabbed my "Birds of Colorado" Field Guide by Stan Tekiela, and it didn't list the Northern Shrike as an option, only the Loggerhead.  Ditto on "The Guide to Colorado Birds" by Mary Taylor Gray.  But now, I do see that the Northern Shrike possibly makes it this far south in the dead of winter, according to "All the Birds of North America".  Very interesting.  The eye patch seems very pronounced, which looks more like the Loggerhead in "All the Birds of North America".  But, the black eye patch on the Northern Shrike does not extend across the forehead.  As in, above the beak, the Northern Shrike is white.  So, I think you may be right...this may be a Northern Shrike?


  •  12-26-2009, 3:51 AM 130827 in reply to 130787

    Re: What type of bird is this Loggerhead Shrike eating?

    thats a super good bird, and an awsome photo of one doing what they do in winter.  shrikes are fascinating to me, and i get so see alot of loggerhead shrikes, but have never seen northern.  one of the top birds on my "need to observe" list.
  •  12-26-2009, 8:28 AM 130833 in reply to 130827

    Re: What type of bird is this Loggerhead Shrike eating?

    Here's another shot of the "Butcher Bird" eating the House Finch.  When he finished eating it, I went out and there was nothing left. Not a wing. Not a foot.  Just a few primary feathers.


  •  12-26-2009, 3:55 PM 130890 in reply to 130833

    Re: What type of bird is this Loggerhead Shrike eating?

    The bird that the Shrike is eating looks like a House finch. That's a neat photo, you can see that the Shrike is impaling it's prey.

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  •  12-26-2009, 4:03 PM 130894 in reply to 130890

    Re: What type of bird is this Loggerhead Shrike eating?

    Yeah, he was definitely impaling his victim on the scrub oak to hold it in place.  Was pretty wild to watch.

  •  12-26-2009, 4:52 PM 130925 in reply to 130894

    Re: What type of bird is this Loggerhead Shrike eating?

    I'm sure it WAS wild ! poor house finch.

     


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  •  12-26-2009, 5:11 PM 130934 in reply to 130925

    Re: What type of bird is this Loggerhead Shrike eating?

    Yes, nature at it's best...that's the food chain!
  •  12-26-2009, 5:57 PM 130942 in reply to 130934

    Re: What type of bird is this Loggerhead Shrike eating?

    It was sort of odd because, I would not be surprised to see an owl, eagle, hawk, falcon, or osprey eating another bird.  But this bird is fairly small, and sort of looks somewhat like a jay.  I've seen magpies, crows, and ravens eat baby bids before, but this bird (the Northern Shrike) appeared to me to be eating a bird nearly the same size(as the shrike was).  I thought it was two birds fighting, beak to beak, at first.  Then, I assumed it was some courtship ritual.  Then, I looked through the 400mm lens and I was like...oh my.  Merry Christmas, indeed.


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