The Great Grey Shrike



Great grey Shrike is a bird painting by artist and illustrator Artmagenta
Great grey Shrike
The Great Grey Shrike (Lanius excubitor) has a circumpolar distribution in the northern hemisphere. In North America the Great Grey Shrike breeds in Alaska and Canada and winters in southern Canada and in northern and central United States.

The Great Grey Shrike is known for its attention to impending dangers. When it perceives any bird of prey it alerts the with a high cry. Because of this behavior the bird was earlier used by falcon hunters. The Great Grey Shrike can also chase and persecute raptors, ravens and crows.

The Great Grey Shrike eats small vertebrates and large invertebrates. When hunting this the shrike perches on the topmost branch of a tree, telegraph pole or similar elevated spot.