NORTHERN SHRIKE, Lanius excubitor

February

Photo by Pete Gilmore

The northern shrike is an occasional winter visitor in the Newton area. Look for it in an open area, perched on a fence post or exposed tree limb watching for prey, usually a small rodent or bird. It is easily mistaken for a northern mockingbird, which has a similar gray coloration and prominent white wing-bars. The shrike has a black, mask-like eye-line and a curved bill with a hook at its tip.

More information

All About Birds

eBird

Nature of New England

Wikipedia