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Northern Shrike (Lanius excubitor)
FIELD MARKS
The Northern Shrike has a pale bluish-grey crown, neck and back that fades to
white on its breast and belly. It has a black mask over its eyes that blends
into its black bill. Its tail and wings are also mostly black. Approximate
length: 22 cm
HABITAT
These shrikes prefer to live in open forests and fields with lookout posts
so they can scan their surroundings for prey. They migrate south for the
winter.
NESTING
Their nests can often be found low in spruce or willow trees. The nests
are built by both female and male and are made of twigs, grass, bark strips,
and moss. The female lays 4-7 grey or greenish-white eggs that have brown,
olive and grey spots.
STATUS
The Northern Shrike is not very abundant in British Columbia. Although
population numbers don't seem to be declining here, several species in
other parts of the world are declining.
DISTRIBUTION
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