This is the Eastern Loggerhead Shrike.

This crafty little bird likes to sit upon treetops, utility wires or fence posts and swoop down upon its unsuspecting prey which it kills with a quick blow from its strong hooked beak.

Not being a particularly large bird, it feeds mainly upon larger insects like grasshoppers and has even been known to attack bigger creatures like snakes and voles.

It lives in a grassland type habitat sparsely dotted with smaller trees and usually devoid of higher perches from which predators may attack.

This bird is at risk.

The CCA has joined the Eastern Loggerhead Shrike Recovery Team to assist in the creation of programs to ensure the survival of this unique bird. Cattle producers in particular can have a major influence upon the creation and restoration of appropriate shrike habitat.

Here we have provided a brief description of the habits and habitat of the Eastern Loggerhead Shrike. If you wish a more complete description, please visit the Eastern Loggerhead Shrike Recovery website at www.shrike.ca