Loggerhead Shrike -- South Dakota Birds

Loggerhead Shrike

Lanius ludovicianus

The smaller of the two Shrike species found in the state, and the one found during the summertime.  The Loggerhead Shrike can often be found perching on a post or fence line as it searches for food.  Has the nickname of "Butcher Bird", because of its habit of impaling the bodies of prey items on spines of plants or on barb wire.  While usually returning later to consume the stored prey, the impaled prey may also serve as a territory marker.

Habitat: Can be found in nearly any open to semi-open country, as long as hunting perches are present.

Diet: Primarily feeds on large insects, especially grasshoppers and crickets.  Will also eat small rodents and small birds.   Less common prey includes fish, frogs, salamanders, lizards, snakes, and snails.

Nesting: April through June

Breeding Map: Breeding Bird Survey map

Song: Loggerhead Shrike Song

Migrations: Found year round in the southern half of the United States.  Birds in the Northern Plains and Canada move southward in the fall (including those in South Dakota). 

Similar Species: Northern Shrike

Status: Has declined in recent decades.  Is now nearly absent from the Northeastern United States and locally elsewhere.

Further Information: 1) Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter, Loggerhead Shrike

2) Cornell University's "All About Birds - Loggerhead Shrike"

3) E-nature.com: Loggerhead Shrike

Photo Information: August 1st, 2003 -- Lake County -- Terry Sohl

Additional Photos: Click on the image chips or text links below for additional, higher-resolution Loggerhead Shrike photos.

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Please mail any comments/suggestions/additional links for this page to: Terry L. Sohl

This page was last edited on 02/03/08