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Northern Shrike
Lanius excubitor
The Northern Shrike (Lanius excubitor), as the name implies, breeds in northern North America across parts of Canada and Alaska. The species winters across the northern half of the United States with some individuals making it south to the Texas Panhandle. The bird is superficially similar to the Loggerhead shrike, but displays a finely barred breast, a less distinct mask, and a longer, more hooked bill with a pale base to the lower mandible. The bird in the top image shown here was near Glazier, Hemphill Co., Texas, in January, 2009. This shot was taken with a Canon EOS 1D Mark III and an EF 800mm F/5.6 L IS lens.