June 10, 1805, mouth of the Marias River, Montana.

Slightly smaller than the northern shrike, and slightly darker gray above, white below, with black face mask extending over bill. Length: 9 in (23 cm).

Grasslands, orchards, and open areas with scattered trees; open grassy woodlands; deserts in the West.

Breeds from southern British Columbia, central Alberta, central Saskatchewan, southern Manitoba, southern Ontario and southern Quebec, south throughout United States. Winters in southern half of breeding range.

The loggerhead impales its prey—usually a small bird, mouse, or insect—on a thorn or barbed-wire fence, which facilitates tearing it apart then or at a later time; hence its vernacular name "butcher bird."

Species information from enature.com