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==Identification== | ==Identification== | ||
− | + | Length 18-22 cm, weight 43-54 g<br> | |
+ | Gray head and back, white under parts, broad black face mask extending narrowly across above the bill, black bill. Wings and tail black with white flash at base of primaries; scapulars gray with white tips (white varying in width between different subspecies). Juvenile finely barred. | ||
+ | ====Similar species==== | ||
+ | [[Northern Shrike]] differs in being slightly larger and longer-tailed, and with the black mask never extending onto the forehead. | ||
==Distribution== | ==Distribution== | ||
− | [[North America]] and [[Mexico]]. | + | [[North America]] (north to south-central [[Canada]]) and [[Mexico]]. Populations in south, west, and east [[USA]] resident, those in north-central USA and Canada migrate a short way south in winter. Canadian and eastern populations declining; no longer breeding in the northeast US, where now a scarce passage visitor. |
==Taxonomy== | ==Taxonomy== | ||
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*''L. l. miamensis'' | *''L. l. miamensis'' | ||
*''L. l. mexicanus'' | *''L. l. mexicanus'' | ||
+ | The subspecies differ mainly in the tone of gray; generally darker in the south of the range and paler in the north, but southern [[Florida]] birds also pale. | ||
==Habitat== | ==Habitat== | ||
− | + | Semi-open areas with scattered shrubs and rough grass; also uses fence lines and utility poles in low-intensity agricultural land. | |
==Behaviour== | ==Behaviour== | ||
They nest in a dense tree or shrub. The female lays 4 to 8 eggs in a bulky cup built from twigs and grass. | They nest in a dense tree or shrub. The female lays 4 to 8 eggs in a bulky cup built from twigs and grass. |
Revision as of 23:06, 23 November 2014
- Lanius ludovicianus
Identification
Length 18-22 cm, weight 43-54 g
Gray head and back, white under parts, broad black face mask extending narrowly across above the bill, black bill. Wings and tail black with white flash at base of primaries; scapulars gray with white tips (white varying in width between different subspecies). Juvenile finely barred.
Similar species
Northern Shrike differs in being slightly larger and longer-tailed, and with the black mask never extending onto the forehead.
Distribution
North America (north to south-central Canada) and Mexico. Populations in south, west, and east USA resident, those in north-central USA and Canada migrate a short way south in winter. Canadian and eastern populations declining; no longer breeding in the northeast US, where now a scarce passage visitor.
Taxonomy
Eleven subspecies are recognized[1]:
- L. l. gambeli
- L. l. excubitorides
- L. l. migrans
- L. l. sonoriensis
- L. l. anthonyi
- L. l. mearnsi
- L. l. grinnelli
- L. l. nelsoni
- L. l. ludovicianus
- L. l. miamensis
- L. l. mexicanus
The subspecies differ mainly in the tone of gray; generally darker in the south of the range and paler in the north, but southern Florida birds also pale.
Habitat
Semi-open areas with scattered shrubs and rough grass; also uses fence lines and utility poles in low-intensity agricultural land.
Behaviour
They nest in a dense tree or shrub. The female lays 4 to 8 eggs in a bulky cup built from twigs and grass.
Diet includes large insects, also rodents and small birds.
References
- Clements, JF. 2011. The Clements Checklist of Birds of the World. 6th ed., with updates to August 2011. Ithaca: Cornell Univ. Press. ISBN 978-0801445019. Spreadsheet available at http://www.birds.cornell.edu/clementschecklist/downloadable-clements-checklist