The Loggerhead Shrike (Lanius ludovicianus) is a robin-sized songbird with a blue-gray head and back, white breast, black wings with white patches, and a distinctive black mask across its eyes. Its strong, hooked bill gives it a somewhat raptor-like appearance. Adults measure about 8–10 inches long.
Diet: Insects such as grasshoppers, beetles, and crickets, along with spiders, small mammals, lizards, frogs, and occasionally small birds. Shrikes adjust their diet seasonally, often eating more insects during warmer months and more vertebrate prey in winter.
Range: Found across much of the United States and parts of southern Canada and Mexico. Some populations migrate seasonally, while others remain in the same general area year-round. The species has declined significantly across much of the eastern United States.
Habitat: Open grasslands, pastures, agricultural fields, prairies, and old orchards with short vegetation, scattered shrubs, and exposed perches such as fence posts and utility wires. Thorny shrubs and trees provide nesting sites and places to secure prey.
Interesting Fact: Often called the “butcherbird,” the loggerhead shrike impales prey on thorns or barbed wire, or wedges it into a branch, allowing the bird to tear its meal apart despite lacking the powerful talons of a hawk. It may also store food for later. This unusual hunting behavior helps make the shrike one of North America's most fascinating predatory songbirds.
Product Details: This listing is for a print of my original work. Printed on high quality watercolor paper with archival ink. Watermark will not appear on your print. Each print is hand signed, giving it a unique touch.
Shipping details: Prints will be packaged in a protective cellophane sleeve with backing board, and shipped to you in a sturdy mailer. Orders are shipped First Class via USPS within 2 business days of initial order.
Year created: 2026
Copyright Nora Steele 2026
Images may not be reproduced, resold or used in any form without written consent. This listing is for print only, frame is not included.
The Loggerhead Shrike (Lanius ludovicianus) is a robin-sized songbird with a blue-gray head and back, white breast, black wings with white patches, and a distinctive black mask across its eyes. Its strong, hooked bill gives it a somewhat raptor-like appearance. Adults measure about 8–10 inches long.
Diet: Insects such as grasshoppers, beetles, and crickets, along with spiders, small mammals, lizards, frogs, and occasionally small birds. Shrikes adjust their diet seasonally, often eating more insects during warmer months and more vertebrate prey in winter.
Range: Found across much of the United States and parts of southern Canada and Mexico. Some populations migrate seasonally, while others remain in the same general area year-round. The species has declined significantly across much of the eastern United States.
Habitat: Open grasslands, pastures, agricultural fields, prairies, and old orchards with short vegetation, scattered shrubs, and exposed perches such as fence posts and utility wires. Thorny shrubs and trees provide nesting sites and places to secure prey.
Interesting Fact: Often called the “butcherbird,” the loggerhead shrike impales prey on thorns or barbed wire, or wedges it into a branch, allowing the bird to tear its meal apart despite lacking the powerful talons of a hawk. It may also store food for later. This unusual hunting behavior helps make the shrike one of North America's most fascinating predatory songbirds.
Product Details: This listing is for a print of my original work. Printed on high quality watercolor paper with archival ink. Watermark will not appear on your print. Each print is hand signed, giving it a unique touch.
Shipping details: Prints will be packaged in a protective cellophane sleeve with backing board, and shipped to you in a sturdy mailer. Orders are shipped First Class via USPS within 2 business days of initial order.
Year created: 2026
Copyright Nora Steele 2026
Images may not be reproduced, resold or used in any form without written consent. This listing is for print only, frame is not included.
