Overview
Northern Shrikes are a rare winter visitor to Vermont from northern Canada. Shrikes are unusual songbirds because they prey on small birds and rodents. They are often known as "butcher bird" due to their habit of storing prey on thorns or barbed wire since they do not have strong talons like raptors. They have a falcon-like hook on their beak to kill prey, and have also been known to mimic other birds' sounds to lure them within range. They are often perched on high, exposed branches overlooking open areas.
Conservation
Northern Shrikes have a high population and are not considered a species of concern.
