Northern Shrike (Lanius excubitor)

 
                                                                    (Photos by BarrytheBirder)

The Northern Shrike summers in the far north, in spruces or thickets on the edge of the tundra, while it winters on farmland and open countryside farther south as far as the northern United States.   The southern range limit and numbers on the wintering grounds very unpredictably from year to year.   It breeds from Alaska east to Labrador, 

The adult Northern Shrike is like the Loggerhead Shrike but larger, with its narrower mask quite reduced in front of its eye and does not extend above the eye.   It has faint grey barring on underparts and the base of of its lower mandible is often paler. Its bill is long with a distinct hook.

This bird's song is unexpectedly musical, and can include imitations of other birds.

Please comment if you wish.

BarrytheBirder