Adult

Chunky, big-headed songbird with thick, hooked bill. Gray head with black mask that narrows as it meets the bill and usually does not cover the top of the bill. White flashes in wings and tail.

Immature

Chunky songbird with thick, hooked bill. More brownish than adult, with fine brownish bars on the underside. Narrow black mask.

Adult

Immature

Immatures have finely barred underparts and indistinct or incomplete masks. Shrikes often sit on exposed perches and swoop down to catch prey on the ground.

Adult

In flight shows prominent white flashes in the wings and outer tail.

Immature

Adult

Adults often have underparts finely barred with gray. Mask is narrow and usually does not extend over eye or bill.

Adult

Predatory songbird; catches insects, birds, and small mammals. Breeds in far northern North America; for most birders, typically seen in winter.

Adult

Adult

Lives in open, brushy or grassy landscapes with exposed perches such as shrubs and fencerows.

Immature

Breeds in far northern North America; for most birders typically seen in winter, sitting on exposed perches in open country.

Adult