The Northern Shrike is a boreal raptor-like songbird that winters irregularly across southern Canada and the northern United States, often perching on the very tops of shrubs scanning for prey. Larger and paler than the Loggerhead Shrike, it has fine barring on the breast. Its irruption southward in some winters makes it a highly anticipated sighting for northern-tier birders.
Best time to see a Northern Shrike
The best time to see a Northern Shrike is October–January, when about 65% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 4,280 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Northern Shrike? What bird is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
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