Are the shrikes cute?

Red-backed Shrike

When you see a small bird, you would not think how vicious it might be, wouldn't you? Let's have a look at the shrike. Size of a sparrow, looks cute, but its nickname is butcher bird. And why is that? What makes the bird to gain such name? The diet of the shrike consists of insects, small birds, frogs, lizzards and even rodents. Shrikes use the torns of the plants or barb wires to hook the prey. Like butchers using these big hooks where the meat is hanging. Got the idea, right?

On top of that the black line across the eyes gives that bandit look, more like a mobster. Not so cute anymore, eh?

This is a male shrike. Very easy to spot as they perched on top of the trees, or like this one on bare branch of a shrub looking for prey.

Remember the torns? No wonder why this one was perching there. I was focused on the bird, approaching slowly, not to scare him. I did not pay attention about its surroundings and if there are any preys already caught and hsnged.

The head of the male shrike is grey, the back - rusty and chest and belly pink. Easy to spot, easy to recognize.

So, what do you think - is the shrike cute bird after all?

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