Bird Guide

Loggerhead Shrike vs Red-backed Shrike

Loggerhead Shrike (Lanius ludovicianus)

Loggerhead Shrike

Lanius ludovicianus

Small52 gShrubland

The loggerhead shrike is a medium-sized passerine. "Loggerhead" refers to the relatively large size of the head as compared to the rest of the body. The wing and tail length are about 3.82 in (9.70 cm) and 3.87 in (9.83 cm) long, respectively. It weighs on average 1.8 oz (50 g), with a range of 1.6–2.1 oz (45–60 g) for a healthy adult shrike. Measurement ranges Length: 7.9–9.1 in (20–23 cm) Weight: 1.2–1.8 oz (34–51 g) Wingspan: 11.0–12.6 in (27.9–32.0 cm) The adult plumage of the loggerhead shrike is grey above with a white to pale grey breast and black tarsi and feet. Voice: Their vocal range is broad and varied, and has been described as harsh and jarring. The shrike's notes include squeaky whistles, shrill trills, and guttural warbles. The trills sung by males during breeding season vary in rhythm and pitch. When alarmed, a shrike will produce a "schgra-a-a" shriek while spreading out its tail feathers.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Recording: Diana Doyle · CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Steph Cárdenas · CC BY 4.0
Red-backed Shrike (Lanius collurio)

Red-backed Shrike

Lanius collurio

Small28 gWoodland

This 16–18 cm-long (6.3–7.1 in) migratory bird eats large insects, small birds, frogs, rodents and lizards. Like other shrikes it hunts from prominent perches, and impales corpses on thorns or barbed wire as a "larder." This practice has earned it the nickname of "butcher bird." The general colour of the male's upper parts is reddish. It has a grey head and a typical shrike black stripe through the eye. Underparts are tinged pink, and the tail has a black and white pattern similar to that of a wheatear. In the female and young birds the upperparts are brown and vermiculated.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Recording: Christian Kahle · CC0
Photo: le0p0ld_d · CC BY 4.0

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Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: Loggerhead Shrike and Red-backed Shrike.