Loggerhead Shrike

Loggerhead Shrike (Lanius ludovicianus) is in the Shrikes family (Laniidae). Across the U.S., iNaturalist users have logged 35,103 research-grade observations of it in our sample, peaking in January.

Seasonal pattern in the national data: year-round resident. Counts also reflect when people are out photographing, so compare months within a state rather than across states.

Conservation status (iNaturalist): NT.

When to photograph Loggerhead Shrike: observations by month (U.S.)

About Loggerhead Shrike

The loggerhead shrike (Lanius ludovicianus) is a passerine bird. It is the only member of the shrike family endemic to North America; the related northern shrike (L. borealis) occurs north of its range but also in the eastern Palearctic. It is nicknamed the butcherbird after its carnivorous tendencies, as it consumes prey such as amphibians, insects, lizards, small mammals and small birds. Due to its small size and weak talons, this predatory bird relies on impaling...From Wikipedia via iNaturalist — article, CC BY-SA.

Loggerhead Shrike by state

Main season = months with at least 30% of the state's peak-month count.

Related birds (Shrikes)

Northern ShrikeLanius borealis

Photography tips

• Use a fast shutter (1/2000 s or faster) for birds in flight.
• Focus on the eye and shoot at the bird's eye level.
• Approach slowly and stop if the bird changes behavior; never bait or flush birds.
• Morning activity peaks in the first two hours after sunrise.

FAQ