Loggerhead Shrike
While I was in Florida on vacation, I was fortunate to spot an interesting bird, a # 207 on my list of lifers! Here is some information about this bird:
The Loggerhead Shrike (Lanius ludovicianus) is a passerine bird. It is the only member of the shrike family endemic to North America; the related northern shrike (L. excubitor) occurs north of its range but also in the Palearctic. 
It is nicknamed the butcherbird after its carnivorous tendencies, as it consumes prey such as amphibians, insects, lizards, small mammals and small birds. Due to its small size and weak talons, this predatory bird relies on impaling its prey upon thorns or barbed wire for facilitated consumption.
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Scientific classification |
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| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Passeriformes |
| Family: | Laniidae |
| Genus: | Lanius |
| Species: | L. ludovicianus |
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Binomial name |
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Lanius ludovicianus Linnaeus, 1766 |
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Photo Gallery
H.J. Ruiz - Avian101 
Great photos of the shrike, HJ — and always a sparkling treat to get a lifer. 🙂
Thanks Jet! Of course! A lifer is an important encouragement. 🙂
How exciting to get a ‘lifer’.
You’re right my dear Susan. Thanks! 🙂
What a thrill to get a ‘lifer’! Great shots too!
Thanks Clare! It’s really exciting! 🙂
🙂
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