Northern Shrike

The burly, bull-headed Northern Shrike is a pint-sized predator of birds, small mammals, and insects. A bold black mask and stout, hooked bill heighten the impression of danger in these fierce predators.

They breed in far northern North America and come as far south as the northern U.S. for winter. They hunt in brushy, semi open habitats, chasing after birds, creeping through dense brush to ambush prey, or pouncing on mice. They often save food for later by impaling it on thorns or barbed wire. Cornell All About Birds